Jennifer Schwartz grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She served in the Army from 2009-2012. She was a combat medic for the 10th Mountain Division C Co, 94th BSB and toured in Afghanistan from October 2010 to October 2011. (She was stationed in Ft. Jackson, SC, Ft. Sam Houston, TX, and Ft. Polk, LA.) She loved helping people alongside her “battle buddies” and continued this path when she returned home.
She had started nursing school and began working for Lakeside Family Health Center as a physician’s assistant. More than anything, Jennifer loved spending time with her family and called often when she was away. Jennifer lost her battle on March 5, 2016. “Love is how you stay alive, even after you are gone.” Jennifer is loved by many, which is how we know she will stay alive. She left behind her mother and step-father, Martha and John Chambers, and father, Paul Schwartz, as well as three sisters, Jamie, Melissa, and Denise, a brother, Paul, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and a very special grandmother. One of her last goodbyes was, “I just want your girls to know I love them” in reference to her nieces, Kaylee and Savannah.
“Is there anything worse than losing your friends/family to demons that can be tamed? There is a system in place that FAILS combat veterans. Be a part of the change: speak out, talk to your friends, and don’t allow them to fall victim. You are not helpless; you are not alone; ASK for help; change the stigma.” –Jennifer’s combat buddy, Chelsea