Specialist Jarrett Kotalik served in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in January 2019. He was transferred to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for advanced training in the Spring of 2020. In June 2020, he earned his Airborne wings and soon after became a member of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Jarrett was an avid outdoorsman. He dropped his line in ponds around his hometown of The Woodlands, Texas. His favorite fly fishing spot was in Cassville, Missouri. He fished in lakes and rivers in Louisiana and North Carolina. He also loved duck hunting and named his faithful dog companion, “Duck.” Jarrett was a devoted fan of L.S.U. football and the Chicago Cubs.

Specialist Kotalik earned his Eagle Scout rank in April 2018, along with two of his brothers. He actively served his hometown within a variety of Service projects that benefitted some of the most vulnerable in the community. As a soldier, he earned several awards, including the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.