Mokena Marine offers aid to Thailand

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Marine Pfc. John G. Jacobsen was one of more than 7,200 U.S. service members involved in Cobra Gold 2011, the largest multilateral military training exercise in the Pacific region. | Submitted photo

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Updated: September 29, 2011 12:34AM

Marine Pfc. John G. Jacobsen, son of James and Janice Jacobsen of Mokena, was one of more than 7,200 U.S. service members involved in Cobra Gold 2011, the largest multilateral military training exercise in the Pacific region.

Jacobsen provided humanitarian aid, civic assistance and military training to a country known for deadly cobra snakes, Buddhist temples and shrimp pad Thai.

Sponsored by the Royal Thai Supreme Command and the United States, Cobra Gold is conducted annually throughout Thailand. This year’s participants were Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the United States and the Republic of Korea.

“My job as a landing support Marine is to move the Marine Corps gear safely and efficiently,” said Jacobsen, a landing support specialist assigned to the Combat Logistics Battalion, Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. Cobra Gold 2011 marks the 30th anniversary of the Cobra Gold Exercise and has developed into an important symbol of the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in Asia. The exercise provides realistic training, improves efficiency through military coordination, and tests military operations.

Service members work on their tactical skills and test their ability to operate in a joint, multinational environment. These range from amphibious assaults to engineering and medical humanitarian and civic assistance projects geared toward improving the quality of life of the Thai people.

This type of training gives Jacobsen a chance to improve his individual skills and experience the culture of other countries.

“The Cobra Gold exercise is important because it teaches and prepares Marines to execute a beach landing. By participating in this exercise I feel confident that I will be able to carry out a beach landing in a combat environment,” said Jacobsen, a 2009 graduate of Lincoln-Way East High School. With its jungles, exotic beaches and wildlife, Thailand is quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the United States. Instead of the huge shopping malls that Jacobsen and the others are accustomed to, street markets abound with tropical fruits, flowers, food, clothing, and jewelry.

“Thailand is a very hot and humid country with a mountainous terrain. The people of Thailand are some of the nicest people I have ever met,” said Jacobsen, who has completed one year of military service. “The countryside of Thailand is great, the ocean is a light blue color and the mountains and trees make for beautiful scenery.

“A lasting impression that Thailand has made on me is that the people here will give the shirts off of their back if you need it.”

In an age where it is just as important for countries to support peace operations, Jacobsen and his multi-national military partners understand firsthand what it takes to bring many countries together to be able to respond to disasters, such as recent tsunamis and cyclones, and provide humanitarian assistance around the world.

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Lemont Area Historical Society is sponsoring a kickoff program remembering the start of the Civil War 150 years ago at 7 p.m. May 13 at the Old Stone Church, corner of Lemont and Illinois streets in Lemont. For more information, call 630-257-2972.

CenterPoint at Governors State University will sponsor a veterans entrepreneurial boot camp from 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. with registration beginning at 7:45 a.m. May 18. The event is offered at no cost to veterans. Families and business partners of those serving in the military may attend for $25. The day features presentations from industry professionals, opportunities for free one-on-one counseling, breakfast with a panel of ex-military business owners who share their journey and access to CenterPoint’s numerous entrepreneurial services and resources. Seating is limited to 100 participants and pre-registration is required. To register, call 708-534-4929 or visit www.centerpointgsu.com.

Jean Edwards is looking for veterans and military personnel to write about in her column. Contact her at 815-439-5312 or jedwards@stmedianetwork.com.