Charles Komppa Obituary

Seabee killed in Iraq
He's the 14th to die from enemy action

By JOSHUA NORMAN
[email protected]

Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V. Komppa, a Seabee reservist with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18, died Wednesday in Al-Anbar province in Iraq.

Komppa, 35, is the 14th Seabee to die from enemy action in Iraq, said Daryl Smith, public affairs officer for the First Naval Construction Division, which is the highest administrative arm for most Seabees.

As of late last week, the Department of Defense had not released any details of Komppa's death, saying only in a press release that Komppa died "from enemy action while conducting combat operations."

NMCB 18, stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., had mobilized at Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport prior to deployment to Iraq, said Lt. Cmdr. Kyra Hawn, public affairs officer for Naval Construction Regiment 20, which administers to all NCBC Gulfport battalions.

Hawn said Seabees are typically attached in smaller, specialized units to the First Marine Expeditionary Force when in Iraq, and they are based in Al-Anbar, which is west, northwest of Baghdad and has long been considered one of the most dangerous areas.

Marine Lt. Col. Paul Deckert, who recently returned from a tour in Al-Anbar with the MEF and is currently monitoring Seabee mobilization efforts at Camp Shelby, said military leaders try to keep Seabees out of harm's way, but this is hard because of the way the war has changed.

"The enemy rarely engages head-on there," said Deckert, saying this is because insurgents and terrorists know they cannot win direct confrontation gun fights. "There is no rear area in Iraq."

Hawn said this creates situations very different than what Seabees have been used to in the last few decades of their existence, when they would normally go in after combat troops had cleared an area and fix or build things.

(This was not always so. For instance, a Seabee battalion landed with Marines on Iwo Jima during World War II.)

In addition to their traditional building and repairing duties, Hawn said Seabees also often perform convoy security operations throughout Al-Anbar for military, civilian and government personnel.

Komppa was an electrician, 2nd Class, who had lived in Belgrade, Mont., and was part of detachment 0618 based in Billings, Mont., Smith said.

Tops in Blue on its way - The Air Force's expeditionary entertainment team, Tops in Blue, will perform a free show at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, according to a press release.

The theme of the show is "What's Love?" and will feature the music of Tina Turner, Huey Lewis, Barry White, the Temptations, Trisha Yearwood, Alan Jackson, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Kelly Clarkson, according to the release.

Tops in Blue typically performs song and dance numbers during yearlong tours to military bases and public events like the Daytona 500 and world's fairs, according to several Internet resources.

Members of Tops in Blue are all active duty members of the Air Force.

This day in military history - In 1918, the Ottoman Empire (more or less present day Turkey) signed an armistice with Allied forces, ending the First World War in the Middle East.

In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally approved the top secret document, National Security Council Paper No. 162/2, which says the United States' arsenal of nuclear weapons must be maintained and expanded to counter the communist threat.

In 1965, just miles from Da Nang, Vietnam, Marines repel an intense attack by wave after wave of Viet Cong forces, killing 56 guerrillas, according to an article on www.en. wikipedia.org. Among the dead, a sketch of Marine positions was found on the body of a 13-year-old Vietnamese boy who sold drinks to the Marines the day before.

Published by The Sun Herald on Oct. 30, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Komppa

Not sure what to say?





105 Entries

Not forgotten.

Jeff Peck

Served In Military Together

October 16, 2020

I'll Never Forget Brother

Christopher Fink

Military

May 22, 2020

To Chuck from mom

On September 24, 1971, God gave me an awesome son,
His spirit was next to none, he loved his family God and Country,
And was willing to die for it just as God had done.
People don't realize a solider heart, God made them special, just a few have some.
They trust in God, Country and family to stand behind them and know they have a important mission to be done.
God knows that when one of his own is killed in
combat and immediately brings them to their heavenly home.
One day I will see you again, but for now, I keep the Faith you had and say JOB WELL DONE.
I love you son,
mom

September 8, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

September 8, 2019

It's going on 12 years yet sometimes it feels just like yesterday. I still miss you so much son that some days I feel my heart will break. I am trying hard to be the Christain you were and set an example of peace love and Jesus. I just wanted you to know to day I love you son I think of you daily.

margaret martin

Mother

February 17, 2018

Though your paper obituary was removed from my dad's house during work in 2010, you will ever be remembered in my heart, mind, and soul. I will always remember that day I wrote "happy Grenada invasion day anniversary in our fuel truck gas log in Iraq. CM2SCW Paul Beisch NMCB 27 Djibouti, Africa

January 1, 2016

You are missed and never forgotten. I remember the last time I saw you in Fallujah. I gave you some side sappi plates. You will always be in my memory.

Elizabeth Lahny

May 26, 2014

Today is year 7 yet sometimes it seems like yesterday,I miss you and love you. mom

October 25, 2013

To your family. Be in peace

May 28, 2013

While I didn't know you personally,I deployed with you in '06. I do remember turning our radios in to you at TQ after our convoys before the DET moved to Fallujah. The whole Rockhound Team took the news pretty hard.I will always regret not having gotten the chance to know you better. I still wish I could have traded places with you as I had no family to come home to. May God look after your family. RIP Brother your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

EO! Tony Soares

May 27, 2013

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Komppa Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Charlie Gili

April 14, 2013

another year has passed, but you are not forgotten son, I love you and miss you as if it happened yesterday. mom

October 14, 2012

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V. Komppa:
Please accept my remembrance of Charles on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Peggy Childers

October 26, 2011

this week is your birthday and you would have been 40, your a grandfather to a little boy, I cannot express how much I miss you son, or the love that will always be there for you. love mom

maggie martin absarokee

September 12, 2011

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V. Komppa:
Remembering Charles on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

October 25, 2010

Chuck we of NMCB-18 Truly miss you. Today we had a memorial service to remember the sacrifice you made. We put up a tribute to you in the MWR. We have made a promise that you and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. It has been four years today and it hurts as bad today as it did four years ago. I keep your family in my prayers everyday. May the lord bless you and your family. You are truly missed and remembered. Mike Lee(KAF, Afghanistan)

Mike lee

October 25, 2010

This month it's 4 years son and I still think of you daily, know your dad and I miss you and so doesyour siblings. mom

maggie martin

October 15, 2010

There isn't a day that goes by that I think about that day in Fallujah when I heard that you were killed. You will always be on my mind and it will always be a pleasure having the opportunity to serve with you. And with all the great Sea Bee's of NMCB 18.

Danny Smith

January 2, 2010

Dearest Chuck,
What I would give to have another moment with you, to hug you and talk with you. How my heart would leap with joy to hear your voice again. In the age to come we will see each other once more, but between now and then, your family misses you dearly and thinks of you often -- and tears still fall with every thought of you.
We will never stop missing you.

All my love,
Auntie Bec

January 1, 2010

Still miss you Chuck. October 06. I was with you in Fallujah and TQ. I'll see you in heaven my friend.

BU1 Kevin Williams

December 18, 2009

We miss you, Chuck. On the cusp of another deployment, your sacrifice weighs heavily. You're remembered, my friend.

clint Campbell

October 26, 2009

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

Kenna Larra

March 12, 2009

Truly it was an honor to serve with Petty Officer Komppa and all the outstanding Seabees of NMCB 18. The memories and experiences of the days from Gulfport to Iraq and back are ones which give me strength every day. We all left a little part of our life in Iraq but Chuck Komppa made the ultimate sacrifice for his family, country and NMCB 18. A true hero.

BU1 (EXW) Steven R. Wotczak

February 3, 2009

Another year, and we, the Seabees of NMCB 18, still think about Chuck. We will never forget. God Bless all of you.

Sergio Zamora

October 27, 2008

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Charles, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

October 25, 2008

To the family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V. Komppa:
Charles gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Peggy Childers

October 23, 2008

Chuck will always be a fond memory of my time before Iraq. He was in Gulfport during my training there. And then in Kuwait he was in the bunk across from mine, he was always reading a book.
I remember giving him a ride to a pick up point in TQ. He was always quiet...but when he had something to say he said it. I was at Camp Fallujah when I heard the bad news. He lived in the complex that I stayed in. The world is a sadder place without him. But I am sure that heaven is a great place with him. To his family, my condolences. And I am so glad that I got to know him. Till we meet again Chuck.

Danny Smith HM2 (SCW)

October 8, 2008

I'm heartened to see that such a great man is truly being remembered. Our time together in Billings, Gulf Port, Kuwait, and Iraq has come to mean the world to me. He really was all the special things that everyone has said about him.
Don't forget Chuck.
Don't forget his family.
Don't forget.

BU1 Clint Campbell

October 7, 2008

Komppa and i talked once or twice about the ridiculously huge elk picture that was mounted at the TQ office where he worked. He was a quite guy, but you knew there was a lot going on behind the piercing eyes of that man. He said a lot without saying anything at all...he was just that type of person. Thanks Komppa, and thank you to all of your family for your sacrifices. God Bless....

BU2 Isaiah Clow

September 11, 2008

I spoke with, trained with, was trained by and most of all served with Komppa. He was a great man that will always be remembered.

SW2 Nash

Chuck Nash

September 11, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Petty Officer 2nd Class Komppa!

June 14, 2008

Komppa was an outstanding Seabee and a devoted friend when you needed him. I'm glad I knew him when I did and ate breakfast with him when I did that morning I walked to the DFAC alone. He laughed at me when I asked if he wouldn't mind joining me for breakfast. Good guy. Always working when I saw him in the COMMS shack in TQ. You completed your mission Komppa for your country and family that misses you. I know you will watch over us that go back Oscar Mike. Thank you.

Dina Mitma

October 24, 2007

There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.

Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.

I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.

REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)

August 22, 2007

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Petty Officer 2nd Class Komppa and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

August 2, 2007

To All Parents
“I’ll lend you for a little time a child of Mine,” He said.
“For you to love the While he lives and mourn for when he’s dead.
It may be six or seven years, or 22 or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He’ll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief.
You’ll have his lovely memories as solace and relief.
“I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are some lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to take him back again?”
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter him with tenderness, we’ll love him while we may
And for the happiness we’ve known forever grateful stay;
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we’ve planned.
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.”

I share in your loss; Proud Mother of Petty Officer 1st Class Joseph Adam McSween EODMU-11; IKA near Kirkuk, Iraq on 04-06-07

Florence McSween-Elkins

July 31, 2007

I never got the chance to get to know Chuck. We said hello to one another whenever we'd run into eachother while going through our mobilization training in Gulfport. To say that his death hit us like a shockwave would not be an understatement. During the months that followed, I wondered what I could do to memorialize Chuck. A few months and I was pulled back to "HQ" where I was asked to paint a mural for our battalion. It was then that I decided to add the M-16 Memorial to it. The reaction that I received was overwhelming but it was not enough. I asked for and received permission from my chain of command to paint a mural on a concrete "T" barrier. I was able to keep this project under wraps for some time but I saw fit to have members of Chucks detachment take a look at it first. They filtered through and gave it their endorsement. I finished the project a couple of days later. We pulled it out of the "studio", a converted shipping container. This time the response was beyond description.
I hope that my efforts have done justice to his memory. I know that he touched many lives, not only in his hometown, but on the other side of the world as well.
Rest in peace my brother. May your spirit soar through those Montana skies for eternity.

Sergio Zamora

May 25, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES. PLEASE KNOW THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE WHO DO CARE AND YOUR HERO WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HOLD TIGHT TO YOUR TREASURED MEMORIES THAT HIS SPECIAL SMILE MAY CONTINUE TO SHINE. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. GODSPEED AND SEMPER FI.

A PROUD MARINE MOM

ROBYN GARSIDE

April 1, 2007

I served with CE2 Kommpa in Fallujah and I wish to express my sincere condolences to his family. Chuck was a good man and I miss him. God Speed!

CE2 Rodney Byers (NMCB-18 Bravo)

March 9, 2007

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

shirley doney

December 23, 2006

You are in our prayers. Kristy (McCarty),Todd, Kaityn Rachel and Gwynn Chant

Kristy (McCarty) Chant

December 1, 2006

Sorry to here of the news of the passing of CE2 Komppa.

CE1 Brian Landreneau

November 30, 2006

Our condolences to the family of Chuck Komppa. We remember him from elementary school in rural Minnesota.

Connie Skarphol-Oleson

November 22, 2006

Please accept my deepest condolences.

Vicki McCarthy

November 22, 2006

My deepest sympathies and condolences for your loss.

OSC Sean C Barley, USN

Sean Barley

November 13, 2006

My sympathies and prayers are with your family and friends. Please know that your son will not be forgotten and his honor, courage and committment is valued by all of us, his shipmates. God Bless all of you. BMC Jayne

Cindy Jayne

November 13, 2006

Please accept my sincerest condolences in the loss of your loved one. May you find comfort and peace in the love and support of friends and family.

Jo Hammerlund, USN

November 12, 2006

Please accept my condolences in the loss of your loved one. I'm saddened by the loss of a fellow shipmate. My son is serving with NMCB-18 and wishes to convey his condolences as well. Petty Officer Komppa is not forgotten, he is forever embodied in the Sailor's Creed. Respectfully, ETC Souders.

William Souders

November 12, 2006

Dear Komppa family,
My sincerest condolances for the loss of your loved one, I too am a Seabee, and have lost a fellow shipmate. We as a SeaBee community all reget Petty Officer Komppas' loss. Again please acept my condolences.
UTC(SCW) Jim Lowell

James Lowell

November 11, 2006

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life" John 15:13 How I wish I'd had the privilege of knowing your brave Charles. I grieve your loss and am humbly, unspeakably grateful for his sacrifice. Your entire family has my prayers not only today as do all the selfess, honorable, courageous men and women serving this country. May God strengthen their loved ones and bless and comfort your family and all those who mourn Charles' memory.

Gail Raphael

November 10, 2006

My deepest sympathy goes out to your family. My husband also is serving with the NMCB 18 in Iraq, and when I learned of Chuck's passing my heart broke for your family. A lot of people are praying for you, and the families of the other soldiers that we have lost. I never knew Chuck, but I am truly thankful for his service. If he was anything like my husband, he wanted to go fight for our country, and would not have changed being there. This is an amazing thing to do for all of us, he is a hero!
I pray that your family can mend. God Bless You All!

Jonalyn Najera

November 10, 2006

To the Family of CE2 Charles V. Komppa. Our deepest and heartfelt condolences goes out to you and your family. Chuck is a hero of the Task Force Sierra in NMCB 18, it will be great loss, for a Unit, Chuck and I serve together in the same Unit, we have gone thru sweats, pain, and humidity of Gulfport, he's the best friend of the whole unit, he's always there when you need help, when your feeling down, and feeling crazy because of the training, and waking up at 430 am for physical fitness, he's there to cheer you, giving up jokes, and make you feel better again, he's like a pain reliever. I'm going to miss him very deeply. I'm here in US never gone, I was injured during our training of convoy security, and room to room search, I torn my MCL, I was in Medhold at Gulfport, then transfer to Norfolk Virginia, and now I transfer here in NMPS San Diego, still in Medhold. When I heard about what happen to chuck I spread it around the Seabee Unit inside the base, and in Medhold, who knew him, to me personally he's my hero, he paid the prices for this country and for the freedom, "WE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN".
Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss, our hearts, and our prayers go out to you and your family.
BUCN Danilo D. Domingo and wife MarryAnn C. Domingo, NMCB 18
San Jose, California

Danilo Domingo

November 9, 2006

To the Family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V. Komppa. Our deepest and heartfelt condolances. My husband (BUCN Domingo Danilo NMCB 18) serve together in the same Unit, both of them were in Task Force Sierra at Gulfport MS. All NMCB 18 stayed in BLDG 119 at Air National Guard Gulfport MS. CE2 Komppa will be greatly missed in NMCB 18, My Husband was injured right knee MCL tear, during the routine exercise of convoy security and room to room search, he's in Med Hold at NMPS San Diego. Please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss, our hearts, and our prayers go out to you and your family.
MarryAnn C. Domingo wife of BUCN Danilo Domingo NMCB 18
San Jose, California

Marryann Domingo

November 9, 2006

Chuck was my roomate in Al Taqadum Iraq. Even though I only knew him for a short couple of months, he was a true inspiration by just the way he carried himself. He was devoted to his family and to God. He was also a devoted and much loved SEABEE. All of NMCB 18 will miss him very much. To his family, even though we havn't met and may not meet in the future, you are part of our SEABEE family.

EO2 Potts

November 8, 2006

I am sadden tremendously by your loss. I sense your pride in the response i read about Komppa and his family. You show a tremendous amount of strength and pride. I pray for you and your family. Lord be with always

Esther Martin

November 8, 2006

I am so sorry for the loss of your father, husband, son, brother, and friend. My brother, Mike Miner, is the XO of NMCB 18 and he sent an email to me this morning to tell me of this loss. We grew up in Libby, Montana, and every loss of a Montanan hurts us.
Bless your family - you are in my thoughts.

Lydia Miner

November 8, 2006

My heart and prayers are with you as are my son Davids--nothing can ever make life the same for you but it must be comforting to know he is in heaven and looking down upon you-time will heal somewhat-I will continue to keep you all in my prayers--

Sincerely,

Eleanor Hansell

November 8, 2006

I'm very sad with a very heavy heart, for this is one member in the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18 family that I used to command. It really hurts. Please pass this on to everyone with my deepest condolences, especially to those from the Billings Detachment. My prayers are indeed for his family and for ALL of 18.

CDR Bradley Posadas, CEC, USN

November 7, 2006

Delisa and kids,

I don't have any words to say about how sad I was to hear about Chuck. I didn't get to know you guys all that well when you were back here in MN, but I had followed your lives as you moved around and was kept up to date on all the "doings" by the Komppa aunties. Dan and I have you, Alicia and Gary in our thoughts and prayers.

Brenda Komppa

November 6, 2006

My Prayers and thoughts are with his family. Thank you for serving our country. My husband is also in Iraq serving our country...stay strong, and he is a hero to everybody and a true warrior.

Georgette Cole

November 6, 2006

My heartfelt sympathy to the Komppa family in the loss of Charles. I did not know Charles, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Charles you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom

To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

November 6, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Kommpa family. My husband (CE1 McCrohan, NMCB-18, in Iraq) told me he had met CE2 Kommpa the first time in Helena taking the state electrical exam. He said he was impressed with Kommpa's electrical knowledge. Please accept our deepest sympathies.

Laura McCrohan

November 5, 2006

I salute a man that willingly dedicated and sacraficed his life for the greater good. My hope will be that his children come to understand just what that means.

K Kaufman

November 5, 2006

CE2 Komppa will be greatly missed in NMCB 18. The Komppa family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I met Chuck at Ft. Hunter Ligget in December 2005, always the friendly quiet type, he was a great Seabee and brings honor to all of us in NMCB 18

EO3 Spooner NMCB 18

Lorne Spooner

November 5, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. My husband was proud to serve with him and we will never forget him and how he paid the ultimate sacrafice for our freedom.
Lisa Burcroff wife of BUCS Eric Burcroff NMCB18.

Lisa Burcroff

November 4, 2006

To the Family of Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V. Komppa,
Our deepest most heartfelt condolances. My husband was in the same unit as Petty Officer Komppa. My husband was with Petty Officer Komppa at Fort Hunter Liggett,Gulf Port and they deployed to Iraq together. Our entire family is saddened by what has happened. You are all in our prayers.

The Ascencio Famiy

November 4, 2006

My sincere condolences to the Komppa family. I did not know Charles but went to school with his father, Gary,in Sebeka Minnesota.
If he was anything like his father than he was a great person!!!

Dorothy Koskiniemi

November 4, 2006

Words can't express the heartfelt sympathy we feel. May God bless you and keep you in His Shalom Peace at this time. "No greater love has man than this, than to lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

UT3 Gerald (&Cecilia) Kennedy

November 4, 2006

You and your family are in our prays We are so sorry for your loss.


NMCB 18 family in Nevada

Trusty Family

November 4, 2006

Though I didnt know your Chuck well,I thought of him as a quiet and upstanding man when I met him in Gulfport, MS as we were mobilizing. He lead his life through example and is a true hero , he will not be forgotten. My sympathies to you, your family and children, my prayers are with you.

CE2 Eda Egashira NMCB-18

November 4, 2006

To the Komppa Family,

I offer my sympathy for your great loss and my prayers in your time of grieving. The overwhelming pain you feel today will fade as the memories of your son, father and husband grow brighter. Take comfort in knowing that America will never forget its hero, Charles Komppa, and his family.

Julianne Kirst
Sister of Lcpl Michael Derrig, KIA Vietnam, 1968, age 19

Julianne Kirst

November 4, 2006

To The Family and friends of CE2 Komppa,

Our prayers go out to you and your's.
V/R,
CE1(SCW/SW) Conroy, M.S.
NMCB17
OIFII 04-05

CE1(SCW/SW) Conroy

November 3, 2006

Delisa, Alicia, Gary and family,
As a proud veteran I salute Chuck and you for all you have given to this nation and that you will give.
I must believe that Chuck is in the Lord's hands and they will be there to guide you all the rest of your days.
May God Bless you all.

Melvin L. Stene

November 3, 2006

To the friends and family of CE2 Komppa,

We all fee you loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I know how hard it is to lose someone; I was with NMCB 25 this summer. 18 relieved our unit, and took the reigns of a brave mission. The Seabees need your support. The mission will not be easy, but they make all of us proud for they never give up the moral high ground. God bless CE2 Komppa, and God Bless the Seabees of NMCB 18.

LTJG (SCW) Andrew Ditter

November 3, 2006

Our heartfelt sympathy for your great loss. Your husband/father/son is a hero for loving his country and giving the ultimate sacrifice. We will not forget. You are in our thoughts and we pray that God will give you a peace that passeth understanding.

Guy and Becky Barrett

November 3, 2006

Your husband, father, son indeed paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I was moved to tears seeing the young boy grieving in today's paper. That young boy will forever be in my heart and soul. May God be with you and yours during this time of unbelievable loss.

Bonnie Lich

November 2, 2006

Thank you for your "brave soldier" that is now in God's house. May his memories bring you peace.
He will always be remembered for protecting our country and what it stands for. A friend from Laurel

A friend from Laurel

November 1, 2006

Thank you for your service for our country and paying the ultimate sacrfice. God's speed to you and may your family find peace in knowing you were a fine man. I will keep your family in my thoughts and heart. Shalom

November 1, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless your family - you must, be so proud of your son, your hero. Our son is also a Seabee in Gulfport right now and deploys tomorrow.

Seabee Family

November 1, 2006

God Bless your Son, Husband and Father for fighting for our freedom. He paid the ultimate price for our freedom and we are so proud of him and all the soldiers.
My Sympathy and prayers are with all of you.

Sandy C.H.

November 1, 2006

My son is also serving in Iraq with the NMCB 18. I can not tell you how sorry I am to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.

Linda Fuqua

November 1, 2006

I thank your son/husband/dad for my freedom and the things I take for granted. I am truely sorry for the pain and loss you have to deal with. He will be in my heart as one of our true heros. May God Bless you all.

An American Mom - Tina

November 1, 2006

I had 2 sons who served in Iraq at the same time and I can only imagine the sadness your family is going through. My sincere smypathy and prayers are extended to you and your family in this tragic loss of your love one. I also send my deepest respect to your love one for the sacrifice that he gave in serving his country. May God wrap HIS arms around you and comfort you. God Bless you!!!

Susan Holbrook

November 1, 2006

October 31, 2006

WORDS DON'T SEEM SUFFICIENT ENOUGH FOR THE PAIN AND SUFFERING YOUR FAMILY MUST BE GOING THROUGH,BUT I KNOW GOD IS SUFFIENT TO GIVE YOU COMFORT AND STRENGTH DURING YOUR TIME OF GRIEF. MY FAMILY'S PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS WILL BE WITH YOU AND PLEASE PRAY FOR MY SON-IN-LAW(NMCB74)WHO ALSO IS IN IRAQ.WITH DEEPEST HEARTFELT SYMPATHY

Beverly Warden

October 30, 2006

I work on NCBC Gulfport at the Seabee Gift Store and my husband is a veteran of NMCB 133. We would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. We will be praying for you during this difficult time.

(BU3) Dennis and Stephanie Delfft

October 30, 2006

My heart and soul go out to your family. I grew up in a military family and I know the risks involved. Know that your loved one died fighting for what he belived in and his life will always remembered and celebrated for fighting for what he believed to be true and right. He is an American hero.

Lisa King-Watson

October 30, 2006

To the Komppa Family, with our deepest regret and sympathy, the men and women of NMCB 74 are with you in this time of grieve.

Dwight Forrester

October 30, 2006

God Bless you and your family. Sorry for your loss you are in are thoughts and prayers.

BUCS(SCW)Mark Bievenour and Family

October 30, 2006

Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.

The Powell's ~ Proud Army Family of a soldier deployed to Iraq

October 30, 2006

I was saddened to hear of Chuck's death in Iraq. He was an outstanding young man. My condolences to his mom, dad, wife, and children. I'd love to hear from you.

W. Teague

October 30, 2006

SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS YOUR FAMILY WILL BE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

Billy Preston

October 30, 2006

God bless Mr. Komppa and his family, friends and co-workers. I am a military spouse and my husband is affiliated with the Navy, so just as Mr. Komppa was killed in the war it could just as well had been my husband. My heart goes out to all the families and friends who have loved ones fighting in this war. We are all family and when one member of the family is hurting we all hurt. God bless and keep you all.

Vivian Grant

October 30, 2006

The family of Charles Komppa,
You are in our thoughts and prayers, we are very sad for your loss. I am married to Charles's cousin, I never had the opportunity to met Chuck. Just always remember Chuck is a HERO for serving our country!

Rebecca Levander

October 30, 2006

Our hearts go out to all of you during this time of loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers, love

Cheryl & Bill Shannon

October 30, 2006

CE2 KOMPPA WAS NOT ONLY A GREAT CONSTRUCTION ELECTRITION FOR THE NAVAL MOBILE CONSTRUCTION BATTALLION 18, HE WAS MY FREIND. WE SPENT MANY HOURS TOGETHER ON WATCHES, EATING MEALS, AND JUST HANGING OUT. KOMPPA AND I FIRST RAN INTO EACHOTHER AT OUR FEX IN FT. HUNTER LIGGET CA. IN NOVEMBER OF 2005. WE BECAME FREINDS AND KNEW THAT WE WOULD MEET AGAIN IN THE NOT TO DISTANT FUTURE. WE MET BACK UP IN GULFPORT MS. IN JULY AND STARTED OUR ADVENTURE FROM THERE. KOMPPA WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BECOUSE HE WAS THE KIND OF MAN YOU LOOKED UP TO. HE WAS A GENTLE GIANT AND I MISS HIM WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL. I WILL CARRY THE TORCH FOR CE2 KOMPPA AS WILL THE REST OF THE CB'S. NEVER WILL THE KOMPPA FAMILY BE FAR FROM OUR HEARTS. I LOVE YOU CHUCK AND I'LL SEE LATER BROTHER.
UT2 MILES

UT2 DEREK MILES

October 30, 2006

Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V.Komppa
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Gary Allain

October 28, 2006

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss, prayers that the Lord provide you comfort and peace, and our gratitude for the work, and sacrifice, of your Seaman, Charles, a true American hero. God Bless.

Lee Sirotnak

October 28, 2006

In paradise where you are try to comfort those left behind.

Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)

October 28, 2006

Please accept my heartfelt condolences in the loss of your loved one Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles V. Komppa. Words alone cannot convey the sadness I feel in my heart for your loss. Always remember that Charles will be remembered by many Military families,Veterans and civilians as a Hero. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for his Country. May God be with you each day and enfold you in His loving arms to help you through this tragedy.

Army Mom
(Of a Soldier deployed back to Iraq this month).

LINDA EMBRY

October 28, 2006

My condolences to the Komppa family, we share your great loss. Our prayers are with you. Petty Officer 2nd Class Komppa thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice.

Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held
Peace, peace, and farewell..."

Jack Colnot and Family
(Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot, KIA 22 April 2006, Iraq)
email [email protected]
San Antonio, Texas

October 27, 2006

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