Family waits for son's safe return

KENTLAND, Ind. (WLFI) - As the war rages on in Afghanistan, the family of one local soldier waits for his safe return.

When we first met in June, 22-year-old Kentland resident Sergeant Jacob Shufflebarger was leaving for his first tour of duty in Afghanistan. We recently checked in with his family and even got an update from the Sergeant himself.

Kory and Debby Shufflebarger said this flag will fly until their son, Jacob, safely returns home from Afghanistan. The couple said the hardest part is the unknown.

"Every time we watch the news and you hear about U.S. troops getting killed, the first thing that enters your mind is, 'Is he alright?'" Kory Shufflebarger said.

They said it helps that Jacob is able to call or email home nearly every day.

"If we can talk to him daily, like we have been. But when he goes on a mission and you haven't talked to him for three days, that's when your mind starts to wander," Debbie Shufflebarger said.

Jacob Shufflebarger said it has been difficult getting used to the landscape and the oppressive heat in Afghanistan. But the Afghan people have welcomed him.

"They are definitely very grateful we are here helping them out," Jacob said.

Although President Obama is contemplating sending more troops to Afghanistan, Jacob is focused on his mission.

"I'm not a commander or anything, I'm just here at my base, but we're all fine here," Jacob said.

One thing the Shufflebargers do every week is send care packages to Jacob. They include the comforts of home, like Chapstick and candy. But they also include things like crayons and pencils. These items will be used to negotiate with the Afghan people.

"Jacob had requested when he first went over there to help negotiate, we could ship over toys or school supplies or anything that they could use because it is such a poor community," Debbie said.

The Kentland community joined in the effort. The Shufflebargers continue to get donations every week.

Jacob said he is grateful for the help asked to share this message: "Don't forget we are here. Support us while we are here."

So, the Shuffelbargers will do just that. They wait for him to return to a family ready to hear him play his guitar once again, a fiancé anxiously waiting their wedding day, and a future in law enforcement.