Jason Burkholder Obituary

Hello family and friends of Jason Burkholder. My name is Carla Serex - I am a Navy widow and was given Jason's name through Wear Blue. I wanted to let you all know that I will be dedicating 3.1 miles for him on Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day. His name will be spoken, he will not be forgotten. We all hold each other up for this day - turning scars into stars. This is my honor for Jason!

I miss you, brother. You will never be forgotten. I have never known someone loved by so many. The memory of SMASH still carries on. R.I.P. hero.

SGM Shultz (Ret)

It's been a long time since I originally posted here. It was an honor to serve with you and an honor to call you a friend. You are never forgotten brother.

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Burkholder Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Jason E. Burkholder US Army Staff Sergeant. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. 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

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jason Burkholder:
It has truly been my honor to sign Jason's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Jason will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

February 8, 2012
To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jason Burkholder:
Always remembering Jason. "Some gave all."

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jason Burkholder:
Please accept my remembrance of Jason on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

http://www.jason-burkholder.com

Working on Jason website again should have it back up in a couple weeks. I will let you know when it is ready.

Jason's Birthday today, 29 years, we were so blessed to have had him in our lives for 27 years, we miss and Love you Smash, have a wonderful day in heaven fishing.

One and a half years of pain and sorrow and it just seems to linger on, my heart is broken. Smash lives in my heart

15 months and still miss you as much as the first day. Old stone gone, new stone will be here in a couple of weeks just in time for memorial day.
We Love You Jason

Thank you to everyone who lit a candle or said a prayer or even just smiled in Jason's honor today, the anniversary of his death. We all love him and miss him very much. His memory will live on forever.

One year ago Jason left us and today we celebrate the life that he gave for his fellow man.

We Love You Jason

To the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Jason Burkholder:
Remembering Jason 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

i served with jason in iraq in 06-07, it has been hard knowing a fellow NCO has fallen. He will always be the life of the party. He showed me that life is to good to be stressed out all the time. It has been nine months since he departed this great army. But i know now that he is a great NCO in our Gods Army, Jason Don't forget to guide our soldiers coming to god, as you guided them here on earth. To the family, he will always be near, and dont let his memory get to far away. Take care and god bless during this holiday season. you're in my heart

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

”Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” 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 the hero’s Mother, Father and/or spouse. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 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!
This is a gift! We have some wonderful sponsors who help with the costs, and only want you know that we care.
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 and Respectfully,
Kenna

Today is Jason's birthday and 9 months since he was killed on that horrible February day. I have been dreading this day for some time now and it's not any easier than I had imagined. He was at mob this time last year being duct taped by his fellow soldiers and we were making the final plans for our wedding over the phone. This year is much different. I will be visiting him at the cemetary for the first time since the funeral. I will always take this day to celebrate his life, because that is what we are supposed to remember. He made me the happiest that I could ever be. Though, I guess I lied the day we said our vows. They stated "til death do us part", but I will love him always, and his death will never change that. I miss him more and more every day. Jason, party for me tonight sweetheart, you have some special ones with you to help you out. Happy Birthday, I love you.

8 months today and it isn't getting any easier. We miss you alot Jason

Dad and Mom

Would Justin Bradley please send me his e-mail so I can contact him.
Jasons headstone is now in place, will be adding a pic soon. Time is going by so fast and pain of our loss is better but we miss him so much.

Jason, As you know we had a great time at the party last night at Mikes, all your bud's were there. We did it in your honor and shared many stories and laughs. We could feel your presents and Love. Next year will be even better.

Love and miss you,

Dad

I was Jason's team leader when we were at 1st FAST Co. 7th plt. I was talking to another member of that team who had told me that Jason was killed. I'm still in shock about it. Jason used to let me borrow his truck every weekend and all it cost me was a fifth of jack or 151. Jason was always a goof ball, but could be just as serious. If any one in his famliy would like some photos of him when he was in the Marine Corps please fill free to call me. I will see you again Jason just not yet.

Greetings and Salutations, My name is SPC Martinez, Roel. My unit is in Columbus, 1-134 F.A. Regt 37th BCT, in which I am a Medic. Last year, we deployed to Kuwait and I extended with HHC 1-178 INF BN from Chicago to come to Afghanistan. The chance for me to meet SSG Burkholder never came. But many good things I did hear of him. From my family and I, we do send to all of you our Condolence and Prayers.

Mission Accomlished! A significant humanitarian mission was undertaken in Kabul province , Afghanistan in April 2009.
This was done in Memory of Ssgt Jason Burkholder with the hope that his memory and his struggle for freedom in Afghanistan would contiue to have positive meaning for the children of that region. Volunteer Medics Worldwide , a private group of medical volunteers returned to Afghanistan to do free medical and eye exams, train local medics and bring much needed medical equipment to Indira Ghandi Children's Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan. The mission was a huge success. Local Afghans and their children were reminded of Ssgt Burkholder and the great price that he paid for freedom in Afghanistan. We know of no better way than to salute Jason and his loved ones than to carry on something so positive with him in mind. For more information regarding this humanitarian mission you may contact , Gerald Scott Flint, [email protected] We pray that Amanda, and the entire Burkholder family shall find peace in the Lord over the days , months and years to come. We pray that we have done something to honor Jason Burkholder that shall last for time to come. God Bless!

You should be receiving a quilt from Freedom Quilts real soon if you haven't received it already. It is our way of saying we care and we want to bring you some comfort. Shed your tears on your quilt wrap yourself and let it be arms wrapping you with love and comfort. OUr deepest sympathy for the pain you now carry with you. We thank you for being into this world a hero that stood tall and gave of himself for others. I know a mother would rather have her son in her arms safe instead of burying him and dealing with a pain like no other pain. We are here if you need us if you need to have someone reach out and pray with you for strenght my email my dear is [email protected] my website is www.freedomquilts.net the quilts are for all the parents and spouse that have lost a love one since September 11, 2001 that is when I started this project and that is why I'm still at it. With total honor and respect these quilts are made for the families that lost so much just so the rest of us could enjoy freedom.

We'll be praying for you!

Only got to hang out with you a few times Smash, but every time you were the life of the party. It was a honor serving with you in Iraq, wish I could have served with you over here. Honestly you were one of the reasons I signed to come back over. You and your family have my respect forever. Until we meet again peace and love.
Sgt. Warner

I'll never forget you brother. We all miss you.

As this Memorial day approaches we think of all of the Heroes that have given their lives so that we may live in freedom. God Bless Staff Sgt. Burkholder. My family will not forget you or the other fallen Heroes. Our prayers are with you and for your family. Sincerely and respectfully Price family, Ada,Ohio

“Honor and Remember” – [email protected] / www.heropaintings.com. Please know that you are not alone when you grieve for our fallen heroes.
Sincerely and respectfully,
Kenna

Jason, god bless you soldier and thank you for your service to a grateful nation, forever we will mourn you and all of our fallen heroes both before and after you. On 5/6/08 my nephew PFC Aaron J. Ward was killed in action in Iraq while on a routine patrol. My promise to him was that I would never forget him but also those fallen before and after him. When I made that promise to him the day we laid him to his final resting place I did not realize how often I would need to make entries on Legacy and it just breaks my heart knowing that so many other families have and will continue to feel the pain that our family has endured. Since the loss of my nephew I have written on every single legacy page of every fallen soldier and included a photo of my nephew. I encourage you to do the same to Aaron's page. I have done this to honor my nephew but to let you know Jason is not alone and my nephew is with him and they are now in God's gracious hands waiting for us to join them one day. Burkholder family from the bottom of my heart please except my sincere condolences and may the memories of your Hero carry you through each day for he will never be forgotten!

Uncle Burk was the Truck Commander for my truck here in afghanistan. I have never had a squad leader with such a background or knowledge that he had. I looked at him as a senior nco and a very good friend. We spent many nights talking about the war, life, and our lives back at home and I want Amanda to know that he adored her and wanted nothing more than to come back home to her. Uncle Burk, Oye, and myself had alot of fun riding point in truck one and it will never be the same without him. SSG. Burkholder was very important to the team and his leadership abilites and wisdom will be missed. Rest In Peace Burk.

Sgt. William Mocaby
Team Ironhorse
Afghanistan

STAFF SGT. JASON BURKHOLDER
You are my hero may god keep you in his arms forever

To the Burkholder family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Jasons' 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

I am touched to read all of your kind words. Thank you!. I miss my little brother dearly and it brings tears to my eyes everyday. I know he is marching proudly with the Lords army now and couldn't ask for a higher honor. Please check out his memorial site built by my husband Brandon. www.jason-burkholder.com

I proudly served with Burk in Iraq 06/07 and here in Afghanistan. He was, as my CO puts it...."a man of action" and a NCO's NCO all the way. You will never be forgotten brother!

Sgt Ryan Killacky
Team Prowler/Ironhorse
Afghanistan

I served with SSG Burkholder in Baghdad Iraq and it was a pleasure to have known him. My deepest sympathy to his family. He will be greatly missed. God Bless this soldier for he gave the ultimate sacrifice.

My heartfelt condolences to you! Know that Jason was a hero who will never be forgotten.
Our son, Cpl. Eric Sieger, 18, was killed February 1st, 2007, in Iraq. In his honor and all the other soldier's who gave their life, I am compiling stories of these soldiers and their families, to be bound into a book, titled KIA-Our Stories. If you are interested to have your soliders story in this book, please give me follwoing information: Date of birth, KIA-date, short biography, motivation to join the military, the last farewell, the last contact, and then -the message! - And how does the family now handly the loss. If you like to send pictures with it, please feel free to do so.

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

A warrior in every sense of the word. You will not be forgotten. You are a true American Hero, a patriot. It was an honor to have served with you. Rest in Peace.

ONE OF THE GREATEST NCOS

Jason, you will be missed greatly, however your heroism and life will live on through all of our children and their children. You were a wonderful person and it is an honor to call you bro-in-law. Until we meet up again,catch us a few big ones.

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

My most sincere condolences for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

I am writing to offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Staff Sgt Jason Burkholder. 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!

(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT /Ft Lewis
KIA 5/6/07, Baqubah, Iraq)
www.myspace.com/tulsaok1nurse

Jason (Brother) You are one of the greatest soldiers i have ever met. You will truly be missed in all of our hearts. We know why you was were you was in affganastan, was to make the world a better place to be.You will be missed dearly. I hope the wheather is nice and your getting alot of fishing in while we are all apart. We will see you again someday RIP HOOAH

Jason you are a fine example of a true American, a true Hero, and a true Reflection of light!
Thank you for being you!!

To the parents and family, 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 heal you as He gives comfort to you today.

goldstarfamilysupportgroup.com

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

Final Roll Call

Did you hear the sad news today?
A brave American Soldier, SSGT Jason Burkholder has passed away.
Called by the Supreme Commander over all.
Today he has made his final roll call.

Come fellow Warriors; let us reverently bow and pray
For our valiant comrade, who has fallen this day.
We’ll drape his casket with a banner of beautiful hues,
Those glorious American colors: red, white and blue.

That star spangled banner he gallantly fought to defend,
Unyielding and undaunted, he fought to win.
He fought bravely to the end and he gave his very best.
Now the Supreme Commander grants him, “eternal rest”.

With dignity and honor, we’ll commit his body to the ground,
The bugler will sound “Taps” and we’ll fire the volley rounds.
The final military honors we’ll render somberly and ever so sadly;
“Old Glory” we’ll solemnly precisely fold and reverently give to his family.

Each Memorial Day we will recall Jason Burkholder’s name,
And attest that his supreme sacrifice was not in vain;
For this lasting legacy he gave to all generations;
“It’s honorable to respect our flag and to defend our great nation.”

So close ranks fellow warriors, for our ranks are thinning.
We must keep on fighting and keep on winning.
With pride and honor we’ll march and stand tall,
And we’ll proudly - proudly - salute “Old Glory”
‘til we too make our final roll call.

Farewell SSGT Jason Burkholder - Be At Ease; Rest In Peace

To the family of Staff Sgt. Jason Burkholder:
Jason 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

My deepest condolences on your tremendous loss. My son is in the Navy and while it's different from the Army, we're really the same in a time of loss. Please remember others are feeling your pain. Without brave men like Staff Sgt Jason Burkholder, I would not have the freedom I enjoy every day. For that, I feel it's my duty to pay respect to him for his ultimate sacrifice. God bless you in your time of need and bring you peace.

Father we entrust our brother Jason 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 Jason in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathies.

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

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

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 SSgt. Jason Burkholder our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Jason. And to Jason it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Jason, you are a brave American 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 1,409 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Jason’s family and loved ones.

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

Rest in Peace Soldier
Thank you for my freedom
T
Sister of a Fallen Marine

Rest in peace Sergeant Burkholder with thank you in our prayer for you.

Please know how Deeply Sorry I am to learn of the loss of
SSgt. Jason Burkholder, the Price this Brave Young Soldier and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, Will Never Be Forgotten.

May Jason rest safely now, in the Loving Care of God and may God's Healing Grace be with the Burkholder family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes for their Sacrifices, 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 ~

May the Peace of God and your treasured memories of Jason, remain in your heart always and give you comfort and strength through the difficult days ahead.
You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

Please accept my sincerest condolences. I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.
Though I did not know Jason personally, he will always be a hero to me and close to my heart.

Sincerely,
Jeri Herrera
Proud Sister of SFC Rocky H. Herrera
KIA - Afghanistan 7/28/07

My deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all who knew and loved Jason...Heroes never die they live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved them...I will never forget the sacrifice Jason made for this country...God Bless

Soldier Mom
Aut to a Hero
PFC. Ricky Lee Turner
KIA 1-16-2009
Proud American

The soldier stood and faced his God
which must always come to pass
He hoped his shoes were shining, just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, you 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 streets are 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 silence all around the throne,
where the saint's had often trod
As the soldier waited quietly, for the judgement of his God.

"Step forward now you soldier, you've borne your burdens well,
Walk peacefully on Heaven's street,
you've done your time in Hell."

Author unknown

To the family of Jason - Thank you for your service to our country. It is because of wonderful men like Jason that we all enjoy the freedom we have. May God bless each of you.

Fred, Janet, Derek, Lucas & Logan Eitel

Thank you Jason for all you have done for us. They say the good die young - I did not know Jason personally but please remember all the good times, the smiling, the laughing, the talking, the sharing and the caring that each of you had together.
May God comfort each of you at this time.

We are all so very sorry for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Bob, Karen, Jaryn, Jordan & Jaedyn English

Amanda, Diana, Howard, and Jason's family.
Please know we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Family of Jason: Since 9/11, my husband and I no longer take our freedom for granted. My dad was in WWII and I will forever be proud of what he did for the U.S., the future of his kids, grandkids, etc. Jason's death grieves us, we would like to thank him for his ultimate sacrifice for his country. We pray for all of you and comfort you will need in the coming days, weeks, and years. Please know what he did was not in vain. We will always support our military and their families no matter who the President is - we understand the Patriots thinking - they have a calling to defend and protect. Our prayers are with you all in this sad time.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family and especially to his wife. I know right know you are probably numb and don't know why this could've happened but God knows all. Please remember all the good memories that he gave to you. I don't know you or your family but my thoughts and prayers are with you as you prepare to say goodbye to him.

Mandy and Family
We are so sorry for your sudden loss.Kay and I are in Florida and will miss the visitation but our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Your neighbors Ken and Kay Smith