Staff Sgt. Jacob Armstrong was born in Waterloo, Iowa. He was home schooled and graduated in 2010, after taking dual credit at Trinidad State Junior college. He enlisted in the Army in Nov. 2012 and completed AIT at Ft. Lee, VA in 2013. He was assigned to the U.S Army Marksmanship Unit in September 2013 as a gunsmith.
Armstrong has graduated from Combat Lifesaver Course, Fort Benning, GA (2014); Bus Drivers Course (2014); Warrior Leaders Course, Fort Benning, GA (2015), Advanced Leaders Course, Fort Lee, VA (2018).
His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Global War On Terrorism Service Ribbon; Noncommissioned Officers Professional Developmental Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon and Gold German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge.