When a life abruptly ends in a tragedy, we often ask the unanswerable question, “Why? even though we know that there is no real hope or expectation of an actual answer. This is the case for Lt. David Michael Jahn, a Civil Engineer with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 in Gulfport, MS.

David loved life, he especially loved HIS life with his bride and family. He also loved adventure, learning, and travel…and he was always guided by faith, service and most importantly, love.

Adjusting to living without his energy, his positivity and his drive will be excruciating for his family, most importantly for his wife Taylor and the child she now carries. As newlyweds, David and Taylor were just settling down in their new house in Gulfport, doing the things that new residents do: meeting neighbors, finding a new church…establishing a garden, you know, settling in…doing everything that young, passionate and vibrant couples do; everything that they had been working towards, and everything that their proud parents wanted for them as they stepped out into the world, beginning their own, exciting life-adventure, together!

All those dreams, those lovely, inspiring, and powerful dreams disappeared in the murky waters of Lake Pontchartrain last Monday, November 24th.

There are no words that accurately describe the grief, the heartbreak, or the anguish of losing your partner, just as the adventure is beginning. There is no solace for any parent who must bury their beloved child. And there is no escape from the profound feeling of loss experienced by siblings, friends and colleagues who have come to depend on the strength and character of this amazing young man.

We invite you to embrace David’s legacy…his love of life and encourage you to live every moment you have to the fullest, and in that way, to continue his legacy of faith and service.

Please help those of us who knew, loved, and respected David. Help us to protect his devoted wife, Taylor, his family, and most importantly, his yet-to-be-born child. This child, his ultimate legacy.

The goal of this fund is to provide support for Taylor during her pregnancy and delivery, allowing her to focus all her energy on nurturing, welcoming, and raising their child. Funds will provide stability during the upcoming months, covering basic living expenses, and baby care, travel expenses, etc. plus any additional costs that arise from a tragedy of this nature. Any funds not used directly for these purposes will be held in a dedicated account for Baby Jahn’s future.

Thank you so much for your support, your thoughtfulness, and your prayers.