Jennifer Cole, a 34-year-old U.S. Army private, died Saturday in Bayji, Iraq, from a gunshot wound suffered in a non-combat incident.

Jennifer’s death is under investigation, according to the Department of Defense said her mother, Candy Gholson of Napa.

“All we know is she was shot. She was not on maneuvers. It was an accident. It could have been someone was cleaning their weapon, it went off and struck my daughter. I really don’t know all of the circumstances. It’s so hard ... being so far away.”

Cole was assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

Cole was born in Vallejo, CA. She and her family later moved to Napa, where she attended Silverado Middle School. She graduated from Vintage High School in 1992.

Cole joined the Army about a year ago, Gholson said. After finishing boot camp at Fort Jackson, S.C., she was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky. 

Jennifer’s mother fought back tears as she explained:

“She was due to come home for an 18-day visit on Aug. 11. She loved Iraq.  Jennifer really believed we made a difference. She loved the people. She said they were very open to the Americans and believed we were there to help them make a better life. She was the light of my life. My husband died June 4. It is comforting to know they are together.”

Gholson was not sure when Jennifer’s body would be returned to Napa. “Because her death is under investigation, it could take some time,” she said.

Gholson said Jennifer had been in Iraq since March.  “She always said the people there made her feel welcome. Jennifer told me that a lot of reports we hear on television are not always right,” she said.

Before Cole enlisted in the Army, she worked at the floral shop in Vallejo owned by her mother for 12 years.

“She was a natural, very artistic ... a very talented designer. She was planning to get back into the business when she returned from Iraq. And she so loved to sing. She had a beautiful voice. I just can’t believe this has happened. My daughter is not coming home. But she was so proud of what she was doing and was proud to be able to serve her country.”

In addition to her mother, Jennifer is survived by her brothers James and Jeffrey Cole and numerous other family members.

Bayji is a city of about 200,000 north of Baghdad and west of Kirkuk, about equally far from the Iraqi borders with Syria in the west, Turkey in the north and Iran to the east. It is home to the country’s largest oil refinery.

It breaks my heart to let you all know that we lost another Soldier this past week. Her name was Jennifer Cole and she was a faithful member of my congregation.

Jennifer loved the Lord and I know she is in His presence right now, but it is very hard for her friends and family here on the FOB.

Her platoon is very, very close. I have been counseling and ministering around the clock.

I am holding her memorial service this Friday.  Thanks for your prayers.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today released the following statement regarding the death of Pfc. Jennifer L. Cole, of American Canyon, CA:

"Private First Class Jennifer Cole fought with pride, honor and unyielding commitment to freedom and democracy. Her courage is an inspiration to all Californians and we will never forget her sacrifice. Maria and I send our condolences to Jennifer's family and friends during this difficult time."

Cole, 34, died Aug. 2 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. Cole was assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), U.S. Army, Fort Campbell, KY.

In honor of Pfc. Cole, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

On behalf of all our contributors, partners, and friends, we wish to convey our most sincere condolences to Jennifer’s family.  We are deeply sorry and grieved for the loss of this precious life.  We rejoice to know she placed her faith in Jesus Christ, to know we will one day see her in glory, but that doesn’t negate the sorrow we feel for her passing.  May God’s peace and comfort be a source of strength to her family and her platoon during this most difficult time.