Clayton Marine Killed in Iraq

By Greg Barnes

(01/11/06 - CLAYTON) - The war in Iraq hit close to home for a Triangle family.

Jeriad Jacobs signed up for the Marine Corps before he graduated from high school, but the Clayton teenager died before he turned 20.

Jeriad Jacobs was just 19 and that's too young to die in a war, his uncle, Rep. Ron Sutton, D-Robeson says. Family members say Jacobs was killed while on patrol in Fallujah.

"It was in his blood," Sutton said. "That was what he wanted to do, and he died doing what he wanted to do."

Brandon Dodd and Jacobs were best friends, but had a falling out before Jacobs left for Iraq. Dodd says Jacobs' grandmother told him that some of Jeriad's last words were about their friendship.

"She said she could remember him saying is that no matter what happened. He still loved me, at least," Dodd said. "So, at least I knew that."

Jeriad was born in Robeson County and moved to Clayton when he was about 12. That's when he started talking about joining the Marines. Family members say Jacobs followed in the footsteps of his uncle and stepfather, both of whom were Marines.

Dodd says it was more about heritage and patriotism.

"He wouldn't put up with nothing from nobody, but he would give you the shirt off his back," Dodd said. "If you needed anything he was right there."

Jaried Jacobs' funeral is tentatively set for Sunday. He'll be buried in Robeson County with full military honors.