Jacob McMillan started studying Lotus Self-Defense under Mack Petry in March 1995.  Jacob continued studying and earned his green belt.  In addition to competing in martial arts tournaments and placing first place in one specific one, Jacob also wrestled for Lafayette High School.  After graduating from high school in 1999, Jacob joined the U.S. Army.

While in the army, Jacob graduated from basic training and airborne school, became Ranger qualified, and served a combat tour in Afghanistan before being deployed to Iraq in October of 2006.  From 1999 to 2006, Jacob was stationed in Bosnia, Italy, New York, and Anchorage, Alaska.

Jacob used his Lotus training, as well as his wrestling experience to help him compete in the Anchorage Tough Man Competitions.

Jacob was killed in action for Operation Iraqi Freedom on December 20, 2006.  He was buried on December 29, 2006 next to his best friend, Joe Thibodeaux, who was killed also while serving his country in Iraq in September of 2004.  The burial site is Lafayette Memorial Cemetery.

Staff Sergeant Jacob G. McMillan was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his selfless service in the War on Terror.

This picture was taken in 1995 at the Lafayette Dojo.  Jacob was a white belt at that time.

This was a group picture taken at the Lafayette dojo in 1995.

Top Row from Left to Right:  Joe Thibodeaux, Michael Weeks, Paul, Jacob McMillan, Keith Menard, and Matthew Vidrine

Middle Row from Left to Right: Ajarn Mack Petry, Peter Gauthier, and Anisa Petry

Bottom Row from Left to Right: Christian, Megan Menard, Josh, and Ajarn Teary Petry