Rick Gunn/Nevada Appeal Army National Guard State Commander Sgt. Maj. Stephen Sitton presents former Nevada state senator Lawrence 'Jake' Jacobsen a plaque full of commemorative military coins at a ceremony at the Army National Guard headquarters in Carson City on Friday.
For years, everyone has referred to Lawrence Jacobsen as "Senator Jake."
But members of the Nevada National Guard on Friday bestowed a new title on Jacobsen: Colonel.
In a brief ceremony , Maj. Gen. Giles Vanderhoof, Nevada's adjutant general, presented Jacobsen with a plaque naming him as the guard's first honorary colonel in honor of "all the support you've given to the guard over the years."
Jacobsen, who served longer in the Nevada Legislature than anyone in state history - 40 years - has been a life-long supporter of the military.
His contributions to Nevada's Military Department were recognized last year by naming the new guard headquarters on Carson City's Fairview Drive after him.
"You always came and participated with us," said Vanderhoof. "No one attended more of our functions."
He said the plaque is a "certificate of honorary appointment for your patriotism, honor, fidelity and abilities" signed by Vanderhoof and Gov. Kenny Guinn.
Jacobsen, a veteran of 13 engagements in World War II including the attack on Pearl Harbor, reminded the group he was a Navy man.
He said he has supported the military all his life and was "completely honored" by the ceremony.
Jacobsen retired from the Nevada Senate two years ago at age 81. He and his wife, Betty, are life-long residents of Minden.
Contact Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.
