For years, the bridge in downtown Frankfort that went across Prairie Creek near State Road 28, didn’t have a name. On Saturday, that all changed as that bridge officially became known as the Staff Sergeant Jamie Jarboe Memorial Bridge.
“This actually started about three years ago,” said Clinton County Veterans Service Officer Joe Root. “I tried to get the bridge named after Staff Sergeant Jarboe because of the sacrifices he made for our country. The way the political arena is it takes time to get things done. We were able to get it through a few weeks ago and I was able to get state highway to erect a sign out here.”
Following over 100 surgeries, the 27-year-old Jarboe passed away on March 21, 2012, as the lone casualty from Clinton County to serve in Afghanistan and Iran.
So, on a sun-kissed, cloudless warm day in November, the bridge dedication took place in front of a handful of state and national officials along with several close friends and family.
“I’m always humbled by having a community come recognize our fallen heroes,” said United States Congressman Jim Baird. “You can’t realize what combat soldiering is, what they feel and it includes the family. The families end up being involved in the process, like it or not. It’s a great day to honor our fallen hero.”
Baird was one of many who spoke, along with Indiana State Senators Jim Buck and Heath VanNatter and Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets, in honor of Jarboe. State Senator Brian Buchanan made it to the ceremony, but had to leave before it actually began due a previous commitment. Others who spoke were Jamie’s father, Andy Jarboe; Regent of the Captain Harmon Aughe Chapter of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Debbie Niemesh; and Executive Director of the Clinton County Historical Society Nancy Hart.
“These are tremendously honorable days,” said Buck. “It’s just an honor to be a part of this. It’s such an honor to see all these men and women that are serving and have served. To see the participation of the community, the General Assembly is just blessed to be able to do something like this for our patriots.”
Root was especially pleased with the turnout.
“I would say all of our representatives and congressmen that I talked to graciously wanted to be here,” said Root. “They wanted to support our military and make sure they’re honored in the way they should be.”
Jamie’s wife Melissa Jarboe said this honor was a long-time coming, but that she was very grateful that it happened.
“When my husband brought me to Frankfort to share with me his hometown, we drove over that very bridge and he showed me Old Stoney,” she said. “He was so proud of Frankfort and so proud to grow up here. For us to come back to the same area and be able to see everybody in the community come out to honor him and help remember his sacrifice, I’m just speechless. It’s a breath taking moment and I appreciate it.
“I live each day for him,” she added. “Today, even though he wasn’t able to be here, I know that showing up in his honor exhibits the qualities and characteristics he possessed and that he shared. Each day, I strive to be a better person like he was.”