Jacob Sprinkle had been tied to the Marine Corps since birth, born little more than a short 13 years ago on November 10 — the Marine Corps birthday. Sadly, Jacob would never live to serve in the Corps, but now, in death, he bears the title of Marine. More than 100 guests filled the Jonesville, Virginia Lee County High School auditorium tonight to participate in a ceremony posthumously honoring Jacob with the title “Honorary Marine,” an award less than 100 people have ever been recognized with. Jacob was born to Rick and Monique Sprinkle on Nov. 10, 2000, with a severe heart defect that he fought for the rest of his life, causing him numerous surgeries, heart-valve replacements, a stroke and a heart transplant. Despite the numerous pain-filled treatments, surgeries and recoveries he endured, the die-hard Notre Dame fan never cried, or gave up. Despite his physical restraints, the 5ft. 2in., Star Wars-fan aspired to be a third-generation Marine eager to step on the yellow footprints that his father, an 8-year mortarman, and his grandfather, a combat engineer, did years before. He loved playing “drill instructor” with his dad, and would frequently ask, “will I be able to be a Marine if I get my heart fixed?” Semper Fi, young Marine!
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 12:46:55 +0000
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