Jake M. Turnage, Staff Sergeant, USAF (Fallen)
1998 – November 29, 2023

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jake M. Turnage, 25, was a native of Kennesaw, Georgia. Jake entered active duty on Feb. 20, 2018, and Served as a Lead Flight Engineer and Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Training assigned to the 21st Special Operations Squadron, 353rd Special Operations Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Jake earned his Community College of the Air Force degree in Aviation Operations in 2018.

After completing Basic Military Training in 2018, Jake graduated from the Basic Special Mission Aviator Course and was selected to fly on the Air Force Special Operations CV-22B Osprey. Upon completion of the CV-22B Initial and Mission Qualification Course at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, he was assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Florida as an operational special mission aviator for the CV-22B. He also deployed in support of Operation FREEDOM SENTINEL.

As a Special Missions Aviator, Jake served as a Lead Flight Engineer and the NCOIC of Training. Special Missions Aviators are responsible for mission management and flight planning, as well as flight engineer, loadmaster, and aerial gunner duties. He was chosen to support the Air Force Weapons and Instructor School and Marine Corps Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course through numerous flights and attended the CV-22B Advanced Engines Course.

Additionally, as the Training Shop Noncommissioned Officer in Charge, Jake helped to increase CV-22B employment flexibility and combat ready aviators for the Indo-Pacific area of responsibility across four Higher Headquarters directed missions and two Joint Chiefs of Staff directed exercises. Furthermore, he managed all Combat Arms, Survival Evasion, Resistance and Escape and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training requirements for the squadron.

“Jake was a beloved husband, brother and son, as well as a fun-loving and dedicated Noncommissioned Officer,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Tyler Oldham, 21st Special Operations Squadron commander. “Jake’s humor and zeal were contagious. His magnetic personality was always uplifting and lightened the load of his squadron mates. He loved to fly and to learn. His enthusiasm and positive attitude inspired others every day.”

During his career, Jake was recognized with the Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star Device, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.