Jennifer Cole believed she was making a difference.

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

Her death is under investigation, according to the Department of Defense and her mother, Candice 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,” Gholson said. “It’s so hard … being so far away.”

Cole was assigned to the 426th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell Kentucky.

Cole was born in Vallejo. She and her family moved to Napa, where she attended Silverado Middle School and 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.

“She was due to come home for an 18-day visit on Aug. 11,” said her mother. “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,” Gholson said, fighting back tears. “My husband died June 4. It is comforting to know they are together.”