Bloglander

Military officials announced today that U.S. Marine Sgt. Jacob M. Hess, of Spokane, died Wednesday in Afghanistan during a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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Jacob Hess

Hess, 22, served in support of combat operations in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan. Details of the circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately released and remain  under investigation.

Hess' mother, Keirsten, serves as the regional director of the Services to Armed Forces program with the American Red Cross. In recent years, she has become a passionate and tireless advocate for local veterans, working to expand regional support programs for military personnel and their families.

In August, Keirsten Hess was featured among our 2013 Peirone Prize winners for her extensive philanthropy efforts and dedication to local veterans.