First Lt. Jason Timmerman of Green Valley, Minn., was on patrol with his Minnesota Guard unit in Baghdad when a bomb detonated on Feb. 21, 2005. Timmerman, Staff Sgt. David Day and Sgt. Jesse Lhotka were carrying a wounded soldier from the scene when a second bomb detonated. All three were killed. It's been three years now, but for Pat Timmerman, Jason's mother, stories about her son remain vivid. She returns often to a favorite Bible verse. "'There is no greater love than this, to lay down one's life for your friends'... and that is exactly what Jason was doing the day that God took him. ... Jason took responsibility. That was a priority in his life, and that's what he was doing the day that [he] and Jesse and David were killed. I have to say that if he had to choose it again, I honestly believe that Jason would do what he did that day ... helping his brothers." HEAR THEIR STORIES AT STARTRIBUNE.COM
Almost every day, a son or daughter is killed serving in Iraq or Afghanistan. Among Minnesotans serving in those wars, more than 70 have died. In this occasional series, we will invite mothers who have lost a child in these conflicts to tell their stories in their own words. To hear Pat Timmerman's story, go to startribune.com/slideshows. If you have comments or suggestions regarding this series, please contact David Denney at ddenney@startribune.com.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Opinion
Letters
Readers Write: Presidential immunity, Sen. Nicole Mitchell
Signs of an impending mistake at the Supreme Court.
Rob Vischer
Editorial counterpoint: St. Thomas does work with its neighbors
We just held our 18th public meeting about our planned arena, and we share a commitment to the common good.
the Editorial Board of the Los Angeles Times
Troubling talk on campus protests
Send-in-the-troops talk from Republicans is a threat to the First Amendment.
Frederic W. (Fritz) Knaak
Counterpoint: Anoka-Hennepin's DEI policies actually do warrant a debate
A recent commentary seemed above all eager to vilify those asking the questions.
Joe Tamburino
Trooper case: Now, a new rush to prepare for trial
Why the decision to hire an outside firm may put the prosecution at a disadvantage.