Jessica Swan’s daughter Mackenzie was her cherished “miracle baby.”
Mackenzie was described as kind, intelligent, and passionate about science from a young age, even correcting her mother on dinosaur pronunciations in grade school. Growing up in Alaska, she developed a love for art, athletics, and the mountains. Joining the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in high school, Mackenzie continued her commitment into college.
Tragically, during an Air Force cadet development trip in June 2022, Mackenzie lost her life in a Humvee accident. The vehicle, driven by someone lacking proper training, exceeded the speed limit, leading to the fatal crash. An Air Force investigation found numerous protocol violations, and while charges were filed against the driver in Idaho, they were dismissed in November, with the case currently under appeal.
Swan, speaking to NBC News with a photo of her daughter in military attire behind her, described the devastating experience of losing her child and the added financial burden it brought. Unlike families of active-duty service members, families of ROTC cadets like Swan do not qualify for death benefits, including a $100,000 gratuity and insurance. Similarly, families of enlistees in the Delayed Entry Program also lack eligibility for such benefits.
The aftermath of Mackenzie’s death left Swan facing burial expenses, loss of income from her job as a teacher, and extensive travel between Alaska and Idaho. On the anniversary of her daughter’s passing, Swan was forced to vacate the rented home in Alaska, the last place Mackenzie called home, after being evicted.