Sergeant. Jackel joined the military in 2008 and was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. On Aug. 23, 2011, Jackel and his team ran over an improvised explosive device. Jackel was knocked-out, would suffer a brain injury, and would have both of his legs amputated as a result. When Jackel came-to, realizing they were trapped, he used his own shattered legs to beat back the flames and clear an escape path.

Stephen was a motivator. That was his nickname, “The Motivator”. He had an awesome ability to connect with people on many different levels. He loved his family and loved his brothers and sisters in arms. He was a #22Kill Ambassador, and volunteer for Brothers Keepers, Spirit of a Hero, Operation Blue Pride, and Operation Rock the Troops

He was a Hero, The Motivator, The Jackel , Footless Freedom Eagle. He will be missed and loved. He was widely known for his powerful hugs and his larger than life personality. To know Jackel was to love him.