David Pietrek Obituary

R.I.P, Poland

To the family and friends of Pfc. David Pietrek:
Please accept my remembrance of David on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

To the family and friends of Pfc. David Pietrek:
Remembering David 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

Hello,
We have a Memorial Plaque in Memory of your beloved G.I. from the Military Order of the Purple Heart State of IL. If you could contact us we would be Honored to deliver it by USPS to the address you provide?
www.MOPH-IL.org
[email protected]
Respectfully,
Commander State of IL. MOPH Daniel T Finn

To the family of Pfc. David Pietrek:
David 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

you were a great man and an even better friend training with you in boot and in soi/itb was an honor ill never forget the words you tought me in russian when we would have a drink together on libo. i will deeply miss you my friend. Semper Fi

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! 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

Pfc. David Pietrek
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

Gethsemane Church
1601 Frederick Drive
Pekin IL 61554
Phone – 309-346-7791






Dear family of Pfc. David Pietrek,

We want to say thank you. We understand that no words can be adequate for your sorrow. We certainly do not want to intrude upon your privacy. As Americans we want you to know that we deeply appreciate the ultimate sacrifice your loved one has made for all of us. We also would like for you to be aware that with this letter comes our special concern and prayers for you. We are all safer because young men and women who love their country, and know the value of a free nation, are willing to put themselves in harms way, and lay down their lives to keep this nation free and safe for all of us.
Your sacrifice is also very great. We know that we can give little comfort; however, the knowledge that your loved one did not die in vain, but died in the service of our country, gives each of us a noble example of the value of life, and the responsibility of freedom. We hope this will bring pride and comfort to you.
We at Gethsemane Church believe that there is purpose to life. We send this letter with our deepest appreciation for the greatest of sacrifices, you and your loved one have given to this country. We know it is not enough, but please allow us to assure you that your loved one is not forgotten.


Very Sincerely


FrankG. Noyes (Pastor)


Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
(Jn. 15:13)

Prayer for Peace

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

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 David, but I am remembering
his service. 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

My heartfelt sympathy to the Pietrek family and friends in the loss of David. I did not know David, 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. David you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten. I visit ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY frequently and each time I am at ANC I will visit/honor David.
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~

Dawid to wspanialy czlowiek.Dawal szczescie mojej corce Magdalenie,ktora tak bardzo cierpi,po stracie Dawida,ale jest dumna z tego, ze taki niezwykly czlowiek ja kochal i mogla jego kochac.Pozostaje tylko sklonic glowe i powiedziec cicho ,,Semper Fi,Dawid,Semper Fi..."

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Pfc Pietrek and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Pfc Pietrek!

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!!

I would also like to tell you about a website, http://groups.msn.com/SSPSoldierPor
traits/homepage,
where some wonderful people will make wood portraits of your fallen Hero for free for the immediate family. I became aware of this site when I wanted to do something special for Le Ron’s mother.

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

My deepest sympathies go out to the Pietrek family. May God comfort and bless you. Thank you, David, for the heroic sacrifice you made. May you rest in the arms of Jesus now.

David, I want to thank you for the sacrifice you made for our freedom. rest easy soldier you will never be forgotten. To the family of David, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of David. may God bless you all. we don't know each other but are forever joined as my nephew PFC Aaron J Ward at age 19 while serving in Iraq on May 6 2008 was also added to the long list of American Hero's who gave their lives for the freedom of our nation. God bless us all and may he protect all those other soldiers still fighting. rest in peace David, America loves you. Proud army aunt.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your son. As a mom of a 2/7 Marine, please know that we are mourning with you. We cry with you, we stand with you. We share your anguish, we share your sadness, and we share your loss. You are not in this alone.
Please know that you are all in so many thoughts and prayers throughout the 2/7 Family. David's ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.
May God wrap loving angels around you, to guide you and ease your pain at this time of such great sorrow. God has welcomed David into his loving arms, so he too will be watching over you all.

Jana -Alaska
Proud Marine Mom of
Cpl. Becker-2/7 Golf-Deployed Afghanistan

rest in peace brother

Final Inspection

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as his brass.
"Step forward now,soldier.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?"
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
"No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep....
Though I worked a lot of overtime.
When the bills just got too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here, Lord.
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
"Step forward now,soldier
you’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets;
you’ve done your time in Hell."

- Author Unknown -

In recognition of Private First Class David Pietrek's Honorable Service in the United States Marine Corps, the Tri-Cities Tennessee, Detachment Number 969 of the Marine Corps League would like to extend our appreciation and gratitude for his service to God, Country and Corps as well as our sincere condolences to his family.

SEMPER FIDELIS

Don Elseroad
Junior Vice Commandant
MCL Detachment #969

To the Pietrek family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Davids' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

Suzanne MacDaniel
A Proud Aunt
Sgt. David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04

REST IN PEACE PFC. PIETREK, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU

PIETREK...DEVIL I REMEMBER THAT FIRST DAY ON PARRIS ISLAND, I REMEMBER THAT WE GOT DROPPED AND THOUGHT WE WOULD NEVER RATE THE TITLE MARINE, NOW I SEE YOU RATE THAT TITLE MORE THAN ANYTHING,SENIOR DRILL INSTRUCTOR SSGT VIGGIANI SAID THAT IT WOULDNT HIT US UNTIL SOMEONE WE KNEW MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE THANKYOU
THIS SALUTE IS TO YOU BROTHER!
YOUR RACKMATE FOREVER, LANCE CORPORAL HICKS

Sadly another name is listed on this site and it's an honor to sign the memorial page for David Pietrek. My sincere sympathy goes out to his family and all who loved this young man. David's years on earth were few, but he clearly knew what he wanted to do with them as he proudly wore the uniform of a United States Marine. Rest in Peace Pfc. David Pietrek, your duty is done, and we honor your service to Corps and Country.
Semper Fi Marine..

My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and they were protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to PFC David Pietrek our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for David. And to David it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made in combat while serving the Corps and his country. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. David, you are a brave Marine Warrior, a true Patriot and a national Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,385 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to David’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

David, God bless you soldier and thank you for your brave and honorable service to a grateful nation and for paying the ultimate price for our freedom.. You are now in great company with God and so many other fallen hero's before and after you. On 5/6/08 my nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward was killed in action in Iraq and my final promise to him was to never forget him and our fallen hero’s, we will never forget their commitment and sacrifice. Pietrek family, words cannot express the pain we now share, but our families will forever have a bond and we will be thinking of David and your family and will keep you in our thoughts & prayers. Please accept my heart felt condolences and my prayer that god help you cope with this tragic loss and may the memories of your HERO carry you through each day. From one Gold Star family to another!

To the family and parents of David I want you to know that you are not alone in the grief you are feeling. I too know what you are going through and what you will go through in the coming weeks and months ahead. You will have many questions as to why? You will have many things to get ready or go through and that should be done in time. Sometimes it just can’t be faced and that’s ok, for you will know when the time is right for you. There is no right or wrong way to grieve it’s an individual journey that unfortunately we now have to take. I ask that God give the comfort, strength and courage that you are going to need. When and if the time is right for you please contact me. You can cry, vent, or just talk as only another person who has been where you are can really know what you are going through. May God continue to be with you and heal you.

In memory of my son
Spc Harry (Buck) Winkler III
KIA 11/12/06 Samarra, Iraq
82nd Airborne 2-505th PIR

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Pfc David Pietrek. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.

I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.

Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service. He will not be forgotten!

Gale Poindexter
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXAX__FZYg4

Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss of your Hero, and my sincerest gratitude for his service. May God grant your family peace and strength. Semper Fi David.

The Land of the Free, Because of the Brave

Proud aunt of a Hero
PFC Chase Edwards, USMC
KIA 06Apr2006

Though I did not know David personally, he will always be a hero to me. Nothing I can say will take away the pain that you feel right now. Please accept my sincerest condolences and know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.


Sincerely,
Jeri Herrera
Proud sister of SFC Rocky H. Herrera
KIA 8/28/07 Jaji, Afghanistan

Father we entrust our brother David to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold David in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.

As a mother of a Soldier; I'm grieving with the family of Pfc. David Pietrek. May they know that there are many, many people grieving with them and that care very deeply for them.

may your soul rest in peace , may your family find comfort

In Humble Thanks, to this Brave Young Marine, who has given his life, in the Service of our Country and for Freedom, With so much gratitude for his Courage, and his Unselfish Dedication and Service.

Rest Safely now, Pfc David Pietrek, in the Hands of God and may the Peace of God be with your loving family.
Those who Make these Sacrifices, So Many and So Young, shall Never Be Forgotten, my brother among them, Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

"I consider that our present sufferings.
are not worth comparing with the glory
that shall be revealed in us."
~ Romans 8:18 ~

I am sincerely hoping that you feel the thoughts of caring and support that surround you today and in the days ahead, as this Grateful Country morns with you, for someone very precious to you, who is a True American Hero to all of us.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your Loss.

From our military family to yours, we would like to thank PFC David Pietrek for his service and sacrifice to this great country, as well as send our deepest condolences for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.