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Sgt. James Witkowski
Sgt. James Witkowski
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James Witkowski Obituary
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Jesus Tarrio
October 26, 2017
Today, 26 Oct 2017.... I want to let you know that you are always remembered, i was deployed with you and remember you to this day....
SFC Ret..Jesus M.Tarrio
Los Alamitos, CA
meagan robinson
January 20, 2017
Happy 44th battle....we will never let your memory leave this earth! We love you and hope your having a blast in the afternoon life!
B.K.D.D.
Carl Tarajkowski
April 7, 2013
Your sacrifice will never be forgotten and your parents are in our prayers today.
Christian Carlson
April 5, 2013
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Witkowski,
My name is Christian Carlson, I went to Arcadia High School and Scottsdale Community College with your son James. I recently found out that your son had passed away. I wanted to let you know that, I will always cherish the time that I spent getting to know James. I'm writing this letter to let you know that I thought your son was CRAZY. The first time I met your son he was running around the High School track with garbage bags around him sweeting so much that he looked like he was going to pass out. I said, “What are you doing?” James said, Trying to loose weight for a wrestling match. I said, “Your Crazy”.
He said “Your Crazy, Look at you, your running around in circles on a track.” From that moment on I thought that guy is a little “Crazy”, but I'm a little “Crazy” so I liked him. Over the years at Arcadia, and at SCC, I would run into your son and talk him and he would always make me laugh and always thought he was a little crazy. I always thought your son was “Crazy in that he always was Crazy about his Family, Crazy about his Friends, Crazy about the Yankee's, Crazy about the Raider's, and Crazy about his Country.” Although I have not seen your son since around 1992, I would say that he was “Crazy””
He was “Crazy”, about all of it. All his life he has been “Crazy”. I hope that James has taught us all to be:
“Crazy”- about our Families”
“Crazy”- about our Friends”
“Crazy”- about our Teams”
“Crazy”- about our Country”
James is an amazing person, and I'm Proud to have known him.
I HOPE WE ALL CAN BE MORE “CRAZY', LIKE JAMES WITKOWSKI
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February 27, 2012
always in my thoughts! love ya cuz!
David Wildeman
February 26, 2012
I never met James but I grew up with his father. It is sad that he lost his life so early, But very nobel that he gave it willingly for his friends.
Carl & Norma Tarajkowski
November 13, 2011
On the anniversary of your passing and this being Veterans Day weekend, my family wishes God's blessing for your family. James, you will never be forgotten.
Terry Chamberlain-Lee
November 12, 2011
So James of course you know I find myself in Iraq for the third time. I had an interview with a Historian references the final history of Iraq. I mentioned serving with you in Balad and it just so happen that he had read your story in passing but had not met anyone that actually knew you. I still get all teary eyed when I speak of you, even though I know thats not what you would want. I told him our story of how the night before your mission you and I was sitting outside your chu sharing coca-colas and just bs'ing around. I also told him of the many missions you and I ran together. I could see the COL eyes watering as I spoke about my friend, but I had to do it because I will never forget you and I dont want anyone else to either. I think of you often and I will be back to chat with you again around your birthday. I plan to come to Surprise, AZ to visit you upon my return. Thank you my brother for your sacrifice. Keep guarding these convoys from the big sky brother we are almost home.
November 8, 2011
I will always love you and miss you uncle.
Lauren
Peggy Childers
October 26, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. James Witkowski:
Please accept my remembrance of James on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
SHADOW CUEVAS
October 28, 2010
No, we have not forgotten about you ski. You will forever be remembered and honored. You are a true hero my friend.
Carl Tarajkowski
October 28, 2010
Mr. & Mrs. Witkowski: Your son's sacrifice is not and will not be forgotten. We remember him again on this the anniversary of his passing. God bless you both!!
Peggy Childers
October 26, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. James Witkowski:
Remembering James 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
Joe Cormier
October 25, 2010
We still remember.
October 25, 2009
To the mom and dad of Sgt. James Witkowski: I still remember you both from the Move America Forward rally at the State Capitol in 2007. You son's sacrifice is not and never will be forgotten. May God continue to richly bless you and your family!
Carl Tarajkowski
Phoenix, AZ
Christine & Jeff Pongratz
October 24, 2009
Barbara, Jim and our dear friend, our fellow Comrade in Arms, "SKI". Here we are again, remembering tomorrow, 4 years ago, yet still so clear in our minds...play by play. This year, however, will be bitter sweet for us 'cuz we have been reunited with so many of our 729th Brothers and Sisters here in Afghanistan. Although we are scattered throughout different units, somehow, someway, we're together again and tomorrow, we will be with you, our dear friend, our very own true hero. Let no one forget, nor will we let anyone forget, just how brave and courageous you were for all of us. You live in every single one of our hearts, every minute of everyday, for we would not be here if it weren't for you SKI!!! The Good Lord has truly blessed us through you!!
Peggy Childers
October 22, 2009
To the family of Sgt. James Witkowski:
James 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
To the family of Sgt. James Witkowski:
James 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
Carl T
September 25, 2008
Our condolences are still with you the Witkowski's.
Your son will NEVER be forgotten.
God Bless You Both!!
ED ORTIZ
September 21, 2008
THANK GOD THAT THE USA HAS MEN LIKE JAMES WITKOWSKI. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Mandy Brown
December 7, 2007
To the family and friends of James Witkowski,
I did not know James, but thank him for his bravery and unselfishness in helping to protect me and my family. My heart, and my prayers are with all who loved him, the sacrifices made by all of you are so large it is hard to fathom. Please know that James and all he stood for is so very appreciated and honored by so many of us. I want to let you know that although unknown to me and my family personally, James will not be forgotten and is forever in our prayers.
Respectfully,
Mandy Brown
Ronald Witkowski
December 7, 2007
God Bless him, and may his soul rest in peace. Thank-you for the sacrifice, and I will pray for your family.
Nahian Taha
November 21, 2007
Having a friend who has returned from service in Iraq, I deeply appreciate the type of sacrifice that Sgt. Witkowski made for our country, and can at least begin to understand the pain those who have lost him have had or continue to have. I can only offer my support for those who grieve his loss and those who were directly affected by it.
SSGs Jeff and Christine Pongratz
November 16, 2007
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Witkowski,
Hello, my name is SSG Christine Pongratz (formally Christine Froncak). My husband and I were with your son on that day. We dedicated a memorial to Ski at the General Patton Museum (it is a imprinted brick with his name and 729th TC) to him last year, however, we both just returned from another tour in Iraq and had the Certificate waiting for us upon our return. We had hoped it would have come before we deployed in July 2006, but it did not, hence why this message. We would like to mail the Certificate and Memorandum to you and your family. Your son was a great man, a terrific comrade and (from one mother to an other) had a heart of gold. We are parents of four, (and a Soldiers also) and cannot even phathom the loss of one of our children. We have tremendous respect for you and have been honored to serve with your son.
Don Nance
November 8, 2007
The Nance family of Mesa, AZ would like to thank James for protecting our country and way of life.
We also send our heart felt sympathy to the Witkowski family.
Sgt. Grant Hickey USMC
November 4, 2007
Thank you God for sharing James with us for the time he was here. I trust you have a special plan and James must be needed. America is a much better place because of hero's like James. Jesus we pray the family finds comfort in your name.Amen
Lee Mertz
November 4, 2007
Semper Fi, James. God Bless.
SFC Bryce Brady
November 1, 2007
Another year. Keep smiling down on us Ski.
Nancy Piper
November 1, 2007
A fallen Hero Not Forgotten...I want to let the family know that I sent a prayer up to heaven tonight asking the Lord to keep reminding the family that God is always with you, and that James is still with you in spirit. May the Lord contunie to keep you wrapped tight in His Arms giving you the peace and understanding. Remember you are never alone. God bless. A aunt of a soldier.
Carl Tarajkowski
October 28, 2007
Your son is a TRUE hero for giving his life so others in his unit could live. We will never forget him. Please continue to pray for all the servicemen in Afganistan & Iraq. God Bless you the Witkowski's.
Joseph Cormier
October 27, 2007
On 26 October, James Witkowski gave his life in Iraq saving countless soldiers near Asharaf. He was the gunner in a Humvee during a heavy ambush. He laid down his life when he laid down on a grenade keeping it from getting inside the vehicle and saved three lives. He kept the driver alive to drive, keeping the convoy moving and eventually out of the kill zone and closer to help.
I was on another convoy coming back from another base. We heard the radio traffic for the rescue while we were coming in the north gate. I remember hearing the news and all the noise dropped out of the world. I remember driving the truck to the company area and hearing it again. And again. and again. Then they asked me to offer up a prayer for the platoon. I remember not being able to eat or sleep until they got back. I remember hugging friend and being thankful they were ok, but still so sad. I remember arguing with a airforce sgt about standing on the tarmac, because they were only going to let the 729th, and eventually there were like 150 of us. Standing there, on the tarmac, in four rows, rendering salute as 6 men, six soldiers carried his flag draped coffin onto the plane. and then we went back to our hooches and I slept. In the morning the sun rose and life went on. There was a memorial service on post, with alot of officers talking about a soldier they didnt know, but
a man we all knew so well. We went back to work, eventually we came home. 2 years later, we keep going on. Some back to school, others to jobs, families, life goes on. Not a day goes by that I dont think of him, the sacrifice, the love he had for all of us. Thank you James, where ever you are.
Tami Winner
October 26, 2007
Miss you Cuz!!
Jeff Lepak
October 24, 2007
It's been some time now......
I wish I could make it up again this year
For those that served with Ski..
I am with you on this day....
Arizona is a quiet place this time of year..listen to the wind...so soft and soothing...
We all miss you Sgt Wikowski
SFC Stephen P. MILLER
September 29, 2007
Jimmy Ski
Iwas sitting at work and ran across the guest book and the memories it brougt back of you and the band of brothers of the 729TC
God Bless my friend.
SFC Stephen P. Miller
shawnee (Austin, TX)
September 21, 2007
I'm sorry to learn about the loss of your son. From a very grateful American I would like to say that he is a hero and will not be forgotten.
Wayne and Janeen Bailey
September 14, 2007
To the family and friends of James Witkowski we want to say how very sorry we are for your loss. We thank God every day for the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces and for those who gave their lives so that the U.S.A. and many other countries can be free. Thank you, James Witkowski.
Susan Haggerty
September 8, 2007
I also was at the MoveAmericaForward Rally on Wednesday and I truly love seeing James' parents ... he would be so proud of what you are doing in his honor, along with all our other HEROES in the military, both with us, and no longer among us. Your son would be so proud of you. I love you guys and know that I am always here for you. James will NEVER be forgotten..... always,
Carl Tarajkowski
September 7, 2007
I met you two at the MoveAmerica Forward rally in Phx, AZ, Wed afternoon. I also have the "ski " designation at the end of my name. Many of my uncles fought in WWII.
I have two family members currently in Iraq. Our prayers go out to you and your family. Your son's sacrifice is not going by unnoticed.
We stand firm that all sacrifices made in IRAQ is for our Freedoms here and for future generations. Your son did not lose his life to a terrorist, he willingly gave his life for us and our freedoms.
May God richly bless you.
Frankie Oxendine
August 23, 2007
To The Family of a Fallen Hero,
From a former Navy 'squid' who did two tours in the sandbox and through the grace and mercy of our Heavenly Father who has placed my feet on the path to become an Army Chaplain, I want to say what an honor it is be to minister to those who are paying the ultimate sacrifice for our great country. The prayers of my family go out to you and yours and to all who "keep the watch" so that we may sleep in peace.
I know there are no words which will ever come close to easing your pain and sense of loss, however please accept our prayers and know that your son gave his life in defense of us all. As our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, "no greater love has a man than to lay down his life for his friends", and your son showed us all the greatest love.
I thank you and salute you for your son.
May God bless you and keep you and may His loving arms comfort you all the days of your life, until you see Him and your son in Heaven.
August 14, 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)
charlotte brackeen
August 2, 2007
I do not have the words to express my heart felt thanks to you and your family for the large price that has been paid by you to keep our country free. I am an ARMY MOM with 2 children in the military in Iraq. God Bless you and give you the comfort that you need at this time.
Susan Walker
July 6, 2007
Dear Barbara and Jim, I cannot begin to fathom the way you must have felt over this past July 4th holiday, hurting still at the loss of your precious son, and yet proud of him for serving his Country so honorably and willingly putting his life on the line for us. I want you to know that I grieve with you. Nothing can replace your son, or extinguish the ache in your heart, but I pray you can also know as a positive fact that his sacrifice is of the very highest order, and he sits at the right hand of God. I pledge to be a better American because of Jim, and to always honor and remember him.
Robert Siedlewski
May 31, 2007
How can my family say "Thank You" for a gift of life? Any words are just so small. Our name also end at "ski" and that brings us just a touch closer to You. I was born in Poland and escaped 26 years ago to find a real freedom and bring my children in to a free world. It happened, and Your Son and You made it possible. Thank you so much. Thank you for all you did, and do, to make us feel safe at home. We are very sorry for you loss, but we will not forget James, and we'll pray for Him and You for as long as we live.
Agata, Robert, Alex & Mark Siedlewski.
Greg Creager
May 24, 2007
God bless your family, and God bless our brave troops.
Lizzy Zornes
May 11, 2007
I never met James, but I wanted to take the time to thank him and his family. The sacrifices James and his family made on behalf of me, my family and every other man and woman in our great country are immense, and I fear that even my deepest sympathies and condolences will pale in comparison to the amount of grief his loved ones have experienced.
I cannot even begin to imagine the great emptiness that must fill his parent’s hearts, and those that knew and loved him. I think about my kid brother, too young to serve, and find it hard to imagine not seeing his goofy smile every day. This makes me even more grateful for James’ service.
I wanted to let all of you, his family and friends, know that I am appreciative of the sacrifices you have all made. It is such a noble, honorable and selfless act to stand and serve to protect our country.
Your son will never be forgotten, and his sacrifice was not in vain. There are so many Americans just like me that value and cherish his service.
I know that this does not make the loss of your son any easier. But please know that I have nothing but the utmost respect for James, as well as all of our service men and women.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Patrick Condon
May 10, 2007
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I don't have the words to express my sorrow for your family, but I wanted to say thank you.
SSG Michael McGrath
May 3, 2007
James, We never forget brother! God Bless You M8
Kathleen Lewis
May 2, 2007
Your Mom and Dad came to Packages From Home today to pack boxes for your fellow heroes. They looked like they enjoyed doing this and I know you are proud of them. I expect they will be back again to honor the son they love so much. You are thier inspiration.
Sara Stein
May 1, 2007
God Bless you and your family, grieving the loss of your loved one, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. My husband will be headed to the "Sandbox" soon, and although I am scared, I support him unconditionally. I pray for all those there....and left behind. Thank you for your service.
Tim Tran
April 24, 2007
Thank you for your sacrifice to keep us safe!
Kelly Witkowski Roggeman
March 31, 2007
Its taken me awhile but I had to let everyone know what Jimmy meant to me. When I was little I always wanted to go out to Arizona to see my cousin that I had never met but heard so many funny stories about. I didnt really get the opportunity to until he came to live out here in New York. Only after a few times seeing him he took me, at that time his 12 year old cousin, to a punk show in town. We had a really great time and I remember him looking out for me when I got to close to the mosh pit. I will always remember the laughs and good times out at our aunt and uncle's house, where he live out her in NY. He was quick with a joke or a hug and I will always love my cousin Jimmy.
TAMI WINNER
February 25, 2007
SO ITS BEEN TWO WEEKS SINCE MOM HAS JOINED THE PARTY. I WAS COUNTING ON YOU TO HAVE THE THIRTY PACK COLD READY AND WAITING HOPE YOU DIDN'T LET ME DOWN. I'M STARTING TO THINK THAT ITS BETTER WHERE YOU ARE SINCE SO MANY OF US ARE THERE NOW YOU HAVE YOUR OWN WITKOWSKI COMPANY TAKE CARE OF THEM IN HEAVEN AS YOU DID ON EARTH LOVE YA AND MISS YA BAD
Laura DiGioia
February 5, 2007
Your loss is unimaginable, yet the sacrafice Jim made makes us proud that we live in a country where we are still the "land of the free, and the home of the brave." I paid my respects at the traveling wall in Quartzite on Sunday and was thankful that we are making the effort to never forget our heros and those that gave all so that we could be free. Thank you and God bless you Jim and Barbara.
We took a very good picture of Jim's memorial and I would be happy to share those pictures with anyone who contacts me.
Ian and Ann Greig
December 2, 2006
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of our family are with you at this time of sorrow.
John
November 23, 2006
At Thanksgiving time and always, I will forever be thankful to you Jimmy for your service and your ultimate sacrifice in protecting and defending our great country, the USA, and the freedom that God has blessed us with here.
The same goes for all the brave men and women who have served, are serving, and will serve in America's military to protect all of us Americans and our blessed freedoms. You are the true Heroes of America. May God strengthen, protect, and bless all of you always! Thank you for your service. Know that millions of Americans are deeply thankful for all of you and your families.
RANDY MCMILLION
November 11, 2006
I WANT THE FAMILY OF SKI TO KNOW THAT HE SAVED ALOT OF LIVES THAT DREADFUL DAY ON 26 OCT 2005.HIS MEMORY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AS LONG AS I LIVE.I LOST A BROTHER IN ARMS THAT DAY.I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR ONE FINE MAN THAT YOU BRUNG IN TO THIS WORLD.MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY ALWAYS AND YOU,LL ALWAYS BE IN MY PRAYERS.
Jenelle Griles
November 7, 2006
Some folks will never understand why a soldier does what he does. Maybe it's just not meant to be...Always know that there are far too many of us who do. My prayers go out to you and your family.
MSG GRILES, Jenelle
Sgt. Michael Nedd
November 2, 2006
10-29-06 was my birthday and this birthday ment more to me then any other one Because if it had not been for you and your heroic actions I might not have ever seen 21 thanks bro, I will always love you
Terry Lee
October 31, 2006
Its been a year and I still cant believe you are not here with us. Of course you know football season has started. As I enter the stadium this year to witness the Wildcats and Sun Devils tee off, I will think of you, smile and let out a loud cheer for you. Miss you much my AZ, bro.
Christine & Jeffrey Pongratz
October 30, 2006
Our words can not express enough what you meant to us....James , its been a year since that day, but it seems like yesterday. I know that in spirit you are back out here with Chris and I, Youve shown me to many signs on my convoys for you not to be.....but then again....thats what you were best at....Taking care of your fellow soldiers and we all knew that..I, We look foward to seeing your "SIGNS" on many more runs. You will never be forgotten my friend...your always in our thoughts and prayers along with your family. "Take care SKI...We'll see you on the road.
SSG Bryce Brady (deployed with 729th)
October 27, 2006
It's hard to believe that a year has all ready passed since that day in Iraq. The feelings and emotions don't feel any different. I wonder if they ever will. To the Witkowski family, my prayers are with you still, every day. Just as the first day and each day to come. God speed Ski.
Garnet Jenkins
October 26, 2006
I am Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Sgt. James Witkowski, one year ago today.
The price this young hero and his family have paid for this country and for freedom, WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
May James rest safely in the Loving Care of God and may the Peace of the Lord continue to be with the Witkowski family.
There will never be enough ways to humbly thank these heroes for their Supreme Sacrifice, my brother among them. KIA~Vietnam, 1967.
May you find Strength in your faith, Comfort in God's love, and
Peace in knowing this country remembers the Sacrifice James made.
I am so sorry for your loss.
J Kenney
October 24, 2006
Although James is not with us here in flesh, he will always be here in spirit. He will be remembered to us all, as a man with great aspiration and courage. God Bless the endire Witkowski family.
Kenney, C.Co 2/5 " BobCats" 25th ID Infantry Division
Joseph Cormier
October 23, 2006
James, You will never be forgotten. You were a Virginian, A True Minuteman, even if you were from the west coast. I wish you could have been here for the fishing this fall. Keep looking out for us up there,
With Pride,
Spc Joseph Cormier 1173rd Trans VaARNG
Jake Koetje
October 22, 2006
I believe it was James that I supervised on tower guard in Iraq. Hell of a guy, and never forgotten. God bless his family and friends.
SGT Koetje, Germany
Meagan Dean
October 20, 2006
Its crazy to think its almost been a year. We love ya!
Susanna & Gregory Ortiz
October 19, 2006
Mr. & Mrs. Witkowski,
We wanted to let you know that your are in our thoughts and that your son is never forgotten. He will forever be a member of the 729th TC of Fresno.
God Bless!!
Renee Hester
October 17, 2006
My heart and prays are with you and your family. My husband is currently serving in Iraq, not a day goes by that I don't think about him and all of the other soldiers. God Bless
David Janssen
October 17, 2006
I haven't felt this bad since 1972-1973 while serving in the USMC in Vietnam. Again too many good young Americans are giving up a great life in America so others can enjoy theirs. I am donating to every cause I can to help those in Iraq. When I was in Vietnam I only received one letter from a guy I did not know but I have his letter and remember his encouragement to this day. I am truly sorry for your loss but will remember James and the others always. DBJ USMC
Terry Ellis, 1SG USAR
October 3, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,GOD Bless!
The Philley's
September 1, 2006
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
Lee Mertz
August 27, 2006
I an sorry to learn of your loss. I also did not know Sgt. James Witkowski personally. But from what I have read of him he was a great man. I would have been proud to have have known or served with him. SEMPER FI James.
Mildred Beachem
August 18, 2006
Mr. and Mrs. Witkowski
My Son Spc. Robert E Hall Jr. was killed In Iraq on June 28th 2006. I feel your pain and loss. This has been the worst year of my life. My prayers go out to you and your family. My wish is that all AMERICAN'S will support Our Military and honor the fallen. Sinserely, Midge Beachem A very PROUD MOTHER OF A FALLEN SOILDER
Kathy Gydus
August 16, 2006
Thank you for making the supreme sacrifice.
July 3, 2006
ALL Americans should take a minute on Independence Day to thank the brave heroes that have made the ultimate sacrifice to provide the Independence we all share. Although I did not personally know James Witkowski I feel the loss of this great American hero.
God Bless James Witkowski and his family. God Bless the 729th Transportation Company. God Bless the United States Army. Most of all, God Bless America.
Formerly with 2nd/11th FA, 25th ID.
Dale Richardson (Honolulu, HI)
MICHAEL NEDD
June 3, 2006
I WAS ON THE MISSION WHEN HE PASSED AND I HAVE TO SAY YOUR SON WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST FRIENDS AND SOLDIERS I HAVE EVERY SERVED WITH I STILL MISS HIM. HE DRIVES ME EVERYDAY AND WHEN I LOOK DOWN AT MY FALLON SOLIDER BRACELET I FEEL LIKE HE IS ALWAYS WITH ME . I WILL NEVER FORGET HIM AND THE BRAVE THING HE DID IN ORDER FOR YOUNG SOLIDERS LIKE ME TO BE ABLE TO SEE ANOTHER DAY. THANKS SKI, I LOVE YOU BRO !
John
May 31, 2006
It is with great sadness that I learned of Jimmy's passing. It's said that what you remember about
someone is not so much what they say or do but mostly how you felt when you were with them.
I will always remember Jim's good-natured spirit, his lighted hearted sense of fun, jokes and
comedy, and his decency in being a great team member. Jim seemed to value team and
mission/job over self. This world was a better & brighter place for having had Jimmy pass
through it. It was a pleasure to know you as a co-worker at the Hilton and as a friend. From now
on, whenever I eat a pierogi or a polish sausage, I'll think of you my Polish brother and the
take-out we'd get from Stanley's. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice Jimmy for all Americans
and for our country. May God bless and keep you forever. Whenever I think of you, I smile.
That's what you leave with me; thanks!!! God willing, we will laugh again together one day.
Mr. and Mrs. Witkowski, your son is a real, true American hero. Jim's not a temporary hero of
the times like some ballplayer or movie star; he's a forever, authentic American hero. The Bible
says there's no greater gift than for a man to lay down his life for others. Jim gave himself for his
fellow soldiers and for his fellow Americans. I pray that I can thank Jim for his gift by living a
life worthy of his sacrifice. Our country and world are better off because of Jim and all the men
and women who serve and have served in our military to protect & defend our country. It was a
joy to know your son, and knowing him, his sacrifice comes as no surprise at all to me. You can
see from all the comments at this memorial that your son has left a legacy of smiles, gratitude,
and love that will be passed on and that will live forever! May God comfort and strengthen you.
Jeff Lepak
May 29, 2006
Jim..Going up to your place of rest today.....taking the family so they can also meet you. Wearing the memorial bracelet the 729th TC has given us and remembering the others in our lives that have also given us joy and hope that freedom shall triump over evil ...........
MSG Jeff Lepak
ROBYN GARSIDE
May 29, 2006
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. I HAVE JUST LEARNED OF YOUR GREAT LOSS AND WISH TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. 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 ON. I PRAY THAT PEACE WILL FIND YOU ALL SOMEDAY. STAY STRONG AND GODSPEED. SEMPER FI
A PROUD MARINE MOM
Pam Jones
May 26, 2006
Dear Jim and Barbara,
The article about the Silver Medal award was on our company web site yesterday. I read it with a heavy heart. In our department at TriWest, we have a bulletin board that honors the military. Jim's funeral cards are on it. I think about you often and hope things are going well. Love, Pam
Melisa Aranda
May 21, 2006
SKI,
I still think about you everyday you have and will never leave my heart.
To the parents of Ski,
thank you for letting me get to meet and know your son it was an honor to serve with a true hero. SGT Aranda
Dan Glass
May 19, 2006
Mr. and Mrs. Witkowski,
Im not sure how or if any of my words can comfort you. I was on the mission when he passed and was on his crew when he first got transfered over to our unit. Ski always brought a smile to my face whether it was on a mission, in our company gym or just hanging out. I just wanted to state as so many have before how great of a soldier and a man Ski was.
Jarrod Burch
May 15, 2006
I remember the spirit that you brought to the 729th at Ft. Lewis and at Anaconda. You served well and I am proud to have served with you.
Paul Dembry
May 1, 2006
Because of men like James, my family sleeps safely. Thank you.
Ziba Dearden
April 29, 2006
With humble gratitude I thank God when I read of men such as SGT James Witkowski.
Johnny Long
April 29, 2006
I would like to express my thanks to the proud parents of this brave soldier, who instilled in him the courage and valor he exhibited in saving the lives of his fellow comrades. This brave soldier makes me so very proud to be an American. I salute his family and shall remember his courage.
Rodney Stanton
April 29, 2006
The free world thanks God for James Witkowski. God bless his family and may they and his friends have peace knowing he gave his life so others may be free.
A real unsung hero.The world is a much better place because of James.
Brendan Chai
April 12, 2006
"There is no greater love," says the Lord, "than to lay down your life for a friend."
Rest in peace, brother. I hope to have the honor of shaking hands with you someday.
William Scott
April 11, 2006
I was the first person that had the pure pleasure of training your son when he came to our unit to help us with our mission in Iraq. He was the funniest, frendly, outgoing, and professional soldier I have ever had the pleasure to meet. We had some wonderful times together. There is never a day that goes by that I don't think of "Whiskey". Our company had our last gathering this past weekend and SKI was on everyones minds and thoughts. We all wear our Fallen Brothers wristband in rememberance of Ski. We are so very proud of his actions. Thank you God for allowing him to touch my life.
Sgt. Scott 1173rd Trans. Co.
RICHARD CONKLIN
April 10, 2006
Yesterday, at a local base, your mother received the Silver Star awarded for your selfless act to save other soldiers at the cost of your own life. And God has awarded you eternal life and the admiration of a grateful nation. Rest well, dear Hero, while we mourn with your family. R. G. Conklin
Jennifer Slagle
April 10, 2006
I dont know you but I want to thank you for fighting for our country.My uncle died doing what he loved too in vietnum so my family knows the sadness that is going on in your family and we would like to let you know you are in our hearts and our prayers.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Nicole Preston
March 21, 2006
Its been almost a year since we rode around singing and making fun of things last May. Theres not a day that goes by that I dont think of all the good times we shared. Jimmy I miss you.
Mr. and Mrs. Witkowski, you definietly raised a hero, whether you knew thats what you were doing or not. A kind-hearted, generous, goofy, wonderful hero. Thank you.
Kenneth Thilges
March 8, 2006
My family is sorry for the loss of another hero. Your son gave the ultimate and I am proud of the service he gave to our country. He will be remembered along with all the others in our prayers and will never be forgotten. I have a flag box that I have made to display the American flag. Get in touch with me if you would like one.
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
February 17, 2006
My heartfelt sympathy to the Witkowski family in the loss of James. I did not know James, 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.
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~
jeff wen
February 10, 2006
jimmy i miss you a lot man.
Mary
January 5, 2006
Thank you for keeping me safe. Thank you for humbling me with the ultimate sacrifice so that my children can play in the street without worrying about mines or bombs on their walk home from school. Thank you for raising a remarkable hero that the rest of us can use a an example for our boys.
Chris Raborn
January 4, 2006
Thank you Ski. I am here with my family after a year deployment and yet feel so guilty for being here. I haven't been able to stop thinking of you since coming home. I am home becauce of you and I thank you.
Chris
Monica Highaugh
December 28, 2005
To the family of James Witkowski, please know that your son will never be forgotten. My family's heart is heavy with the news of your son. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you. Jim thank you very much for telling me that my son who is military now has and angel named James watching over him. We are honored to have such a fine angel. All our love
Monica Highbaugh and family
(peoria Housing)
Q Madp
December 24, 2005
Thank you for serving this great country of ours. Thank you for what you have given us all.
I will not forget and it's my mission to remind all of who you are and what you have done for us.
Iraq War Heroes
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