Contact Reporter Chris Saldaña
It's the second time in a week that a Southern Nevadan has died, fighting the war on terror. Marine Corporal Jesse Jaime was killed Wednesday when the vehicle he was riding in hit an explosive device.
Jesse Jaime enlisted into the Marine Corps following in his twin brother Joel's footsteps. Jesse's sister-in-law Sahvanna, says his passion for serving his country was evident, "I remember when he graduated from boot camp, they played Amazing Grace and he cried. He was a sensitive person. He loved it."
Jesse and Sahvanna's husband Joel were identical twins. Sahvanna says where one was the other quickly followed, "They're each other's halves. I know I'm my husbands other half, but he's got Jesse and without him, it's like another part of him is gone too."
Jesse did have some hesitation before leaving for Iraq. "Before he left he told me he was scared. He wasn't sure what to do. His brother had been there twice before. They were happy they were together," Sahvanna said.
And now both brothers are on their way home -- a home decorated with yellow ribbons, the American flag and two U.S. Marine flags representing both brothers.
Joel is escorting his brother's body back to Las Vegas. Sahvanna says, "When he called me, he was afraid to talk to his parents because he didn't know what to say to them. He was scared telling his parents. 'There's nothing I can do about it.' He was sad."
Services for 22-year-old Marine Corporal Jesse Jaime are pending. His body is expected to arrive in the Valley sometime Friday. His family says he will be laid to rest in Las Vegas.
The surviving Jaime brother Joel has the option of leaving the war zone since he is the last son carrying on the family name.
Jaime brothers
