Some people leave an impact so deep that their spirit never fades. Sgt. Stephen Jackel was one of those people.
Jackel joined the U.S. Army in 2008, answering the call to serve his country with honor. During his time in the military, he deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, where he quickly proved himself as a fearless leader. His dedication and bravery earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Purple Heart. His entire unit was also recognized with a Valorous Unit Award, one of the highest honors given for extraordinary heroism in combat. But while medals and accolades tell part of his story, Jackel’s greatest legacy was the kind of man he was—resilient, selfless, and unwavering in his love for his fellow soldiers.
A Defining Moment in Combat
On August 23, 2011, while on a convoy mission in Afghanistan, Jackel’s vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED). The force of the explosion knocked him unconscious. When he came to, he found himself in a nightmare—trapped inside a burning armored vehicle with his team. Smoke and flames filled the space, and every second mattered.
Despite the chaos and his own severe injuries, Jackel refused to give up. In an incredible act of bravery, he used his amputated leg to beat back the flames, creating just enough time to find an exit. He pulled himself up, forced the hatch open, and immediately began helping his brothers-in-arms escape.
Jackel’s actions that day were nothing short of heroic. But his battle didn’t end there. The explosion left him with devastating injuries—bilateral below-the-knee amputations, a traumatic brain injury, and multiple shrapnel wounds. Many might have seen these wounds as the end of their fight, but for Jackel, they became the beginning of a new mission.
The Motivator: A Life of Resilience
Even after losing both legs, Jackel refused to be defined by his injuries. Instead, he became a source of strength and inspiration to everyone around him. Known as “The Motivator,” he had a way of lifting people up—through his contagious smile, his booming laugh, and a heart that never stopped giving. He embodied resilience, proving that no obstacle was too great to overcome.
Though we lost Jackel on January 3, 2018, his spirit lives on in all of us. It is our honor to posthumously name him the 2018 Spirit of a Hero Recipient—a title that reflects the very core of who he was.
What It Means to Have the Spirit of a Hero
At Spirit of a Hero, we believe that being a hero isn’t just about the battles fought in combat. It’s about fighting for others, standing tall in the face of adversity, and never backing down—no matter the odds. Sgt. Stephen Jackel embodied this spirit in every way.
His story reminds us that heroes aren’t defined by their scars, but by their courage, selflessness, and the impact they leave on those around them. Jackel didn’t just survive—he lived with purpose, lifted others up, and showed the world what true strength looks like.
He may be gone, but his legacy remains a beacon of hope and resilience for all who continue to fight their own battles—on and off the battlefield.
We will never forget.
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