Sgt. Allen A. Greka

Sgt. Allen A. Greka

Allen A. Greka Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 17, 2007.
Marie Lockwood, a former teacher of Allen A. Greka's, called him very intelligent and said he set himself apart in school. "I remember that Allen was independent and vocal and he had high expectations of himself," said Lockwood, who taught Greka for two years. She said he was like an older brother who kept his classmates in line. Greka, 29, of Alpena, Mich., was killed July 13 by a land mine detonation during a foot patrol in Jisr Diyala. He was assigned to Fort Benning. Steven Greka described his son as a "very professional soldier" who "loved what he did." He said his son was a very outgoing person who enjoyed reading. "Anything he read he retained. He was very intelligent," he said. Greka rooted for the New York Giants and the Boston Celtics. When he was in the fifth grade, a family friend gave him a copy of the Air Force survival guide. "He spent hours reading and studying that thing. Before too long he had memorized every word in that book," said his father. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and a daughter, Lillith, a baby. Greka also had a 4-year-old stepdaughter, Rose.

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Sign Allen A. Greka's Guest Book

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July 14, 2013

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2013

AJ posted to the memorial.

June 8, 2013

Charlie Gili posted to the memorial.

Peggy Childers

July 14, 2013

To the family and friends of Sgt. Allen A. Greka:
It has truly been my honor to sign Allen'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 Allen will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

AJ

July 13, 2013

We won't forget Allen

Charlie Gili

June 8, 2013

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and to also let the Greka 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

May 24, 2013

I served at Fort Polk with Allen, he was in 5th platoon D Troop, 1BN 509TH (ABN) He was one of the hardest working Soldiers in the Troop. He was also one of the funniest. God Bless you SSG Greka. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten -CPT Ward

May 5, 2013

We remain grateful to Allen for his service and sacrifice for us.

Peggy Childers

August 1, 2012

July 13, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Allen A. Greka:
Always remembering Allen. "Some gave all."

William Cox

June 6, 2012

As I leave the Army and start on an new journey I will cherish the time I got to know and train with you. SSG Cox

July 15, 2011

You are not forgotten Allen. "A Viet Nam Vet"

Peggy Childers

July 13, 2011

To the family and friends of Sgt. Allen A. Greka:
Please accept my remembrance of Allen on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

Ken Feiereisen

October 24, 2010

To the family of SGT Greka, i am sorry to hear of SGT Greka's passing. Allen and I were friends at D Troop 1/509th. We didn't remain in contact when i pcs to hawaii. I will never forget him. SSG Ken Feiereisen

Peggy Childers

July 14, 2010

To the family and friends of Sgt. Allen A. Greka:
Remembering Allen 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

Lori Buchanan

July 8, 2010

Gone but not forgotten, THANK YOU Sgt. Greka

July 5, 2010

You are a true hero, Sgt Allen A. Greka. You deserve a special place in heaven, reserved only for heros! 1stSgt Corwin, USMC (retired)

Doc Bache

March 28, 2010

The first bad thing I ever heard was White 1 Calling for the bird. The sadness wakes me in the night, the bird has called an Angel Flight.

Jesus Toscano

November 11, 2009

Hey bro it was nice Serving with you bro...miss you and ill see you later brother in arm forever

Peggy Childers

July 13, 2009

To the family of Sgt. Allen A. Greka:
Allen 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

Kenna Larra

December 29, 2008

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

October 16, 2008

I knew you well, but not well enough. you lead from the front and you had no fear, as a soldier I would have followed anywhere. You were a leader a mentor and you were tough. While you were here you made me laugh and when you left you made me cry. A Father, Husband, Son and Soldier. Your memory lives on and will until well after I die. To a true HERO

Lisa Lynn

October 4, 2008

I knew Allen when we were children in Alpena, Michigan. Even in 2nd and 3rd grade, he always wanted to be a soldier. He didn't have fantasies like some little boys do--he knew that being a soldier would be a life of hardship and sacrifice, but even at that young age, he was remarkably levelheaded and brave. I remember one time he was very excited to have an MRE (meal ready-to-eat) for his school lunch! It certainly was not the tastiest thing ever, but Allen was stoic about it--already trying to prepare himself for a life of military service. He was also smart, funny, mature, and a great friend.

I came upon the news of his death very unexpectedly, after not having seen or talked to him in nearly 20 years. I am so proud of Allen for achieving his dream, and so sad to hear that his life was cut short. To Allen's family and friends, you have my deepest sympathy. Allen will always be remembered fondly by me and everyone else who had the privilege of knowing him. Sgt. Greka, thank you for your service and your sacrifice. You are truly a hero.

Jessica

August 2, 2008

I did not know Sgt. Greka, but I am very close to someone who was deployed with him and I remember very well hearing of his passing. Recently, I went to a military supply store in Fort Benning, and looked at their K.I.A. bracelets they had for sale, and happened to find one with Sgt. Greka's name on it. I now wear it every day and pray for the family and friends who were touched by his passing.

My heart is with you always.

Thank you, Sgt. Greka.

In Memory of Allen ~ ( Debra Estep )

July 13, 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 Allen, 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

June 30, 2008

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Greka!

Donna & Mike Barr

June 21, 2008

I would first like to offer our sympathy to the family of this fallen soldier. On the third Saturday in June, the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run has a 50 mile ride to the Middle East Conflict War wall in Marseilles IL. When we get to the starting point of the ride, we receive "dog tags" of a fallen soldier. Today I received a tag with the name Sgt Allen Arthur Greka. I just want you to know that I rode this ride in memory of Allen and also to honor his service to our nation. If you would like more information about this ride you can go to www.ilfreedomrun.org/. This organization has done a wonderful job as a tribute to all of our fallen soldiers. Our prayers are with your family.

MSG Jack Tripp

June 9, 2008

I too had the honor of serving with SGT Greka. A hard charging paratrooper who took great care of his men. No better leader than those who took care of their mission, their men then themselves, in that order. SGT Greka was that kind of leader and a fine paratrooper and cavlaryman. Stand down trooper. See you in Fiddler's Green.

Daisy and Mark Anderson

October 14, 2007

I am sorry to hear what happened, I'm not really sure but I think you are the same Allen that played with my husband and I on the Dungons and Dragons online, we played for about 2 months, in April was the last time we played and heard from you. That was also the month that your wife had yall baby girl. We were playing with you the night she went in to labor. We might have not known you real well, but we enjoyed playing and getting to know you on the game. I can't believe you are gone now, but you will be missed. I will keep your wife and daughter in my prayers. I wish we could have known you better. R.I.P our hero.

debbi rivers

August 27, 2007

To the parents of Allen, I would like to extend my heart felt sorrow as I know what you are going through and what you will yet go through in the coming weeks. I too am the mother of another fallen soldier and with God's continued support in my life I try to reach out to other who might need the support of someone who has been where you are. I want to offer you the support you may need to contact me anytime so that you may vent, talk or just seek comfort I am here for you. As a Gold Star Mother I've reached out through God's blessings to many across the country and we have a good support group. May God continue to give you and your family the love, comfort and healing that you need. In memory of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III KIA Samarra, Iraq November 12, 2006

August 19, 2007

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

August 16, 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)

SGM David Miller

August 4, 2007

My prayers go out to SGT Allen Greka and his family. I was one of Allen's First Sergeants while he was in the Geronimo battalion and thought the world of him. He was a top-notch professional; there was never a task too tough for him and his subordinates. The Army and the Greka family have lost a good man.

Gary Allain

July 30, 2007

Sgt. Allen A. Greka
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

July 28, 2007

If this person can stand in battle to ensure my freedom, then I will stand in grief with his/her family to honor him/her. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Le Ron A. Wilson (a dear friend KIA 7/6/07, 18yrs old) that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.

PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea (NY)

Apryll Anderson

July 26, 2007

MEMORIES WILL GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH YOU WILL NEED TO PROCEDE!
GOD BLESS!


OUR FALLEN HERO!
SGT. JEREMY E. DEPOTTEY
KIA SEPT. 11, 2006

SSG Mario Reyes

July 26, 2007

To the Family of my friend Greka,

I just wanted to let you I've met alot of people in the Army. Greka was by far one of the most intelligent, witty, funny, and genuinely one of the greatest persons I've ever met. I feel proud to have been able to serve with him and I extend my condolences during this incredibly difficult time. He will never be forgotten by me and those of us that called him a friend.

July 24, 2007

Allen-
I will love you and miss you forever. Even though we didn't get to spend as much time together as we should have growing up, I am so thankful for the time we did have. Not only are you the best cousin I ever had, you are my hero.

Tom Gugliuzza-Smith

July 24, 2007

My heartfelt sympathy to the Greka family in the loss of Allen. I did not know Allen, 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. Allen 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~

tricia luttrull

July 24, 2007

Thank you Sgt. Allen A. Greka. You gave your all for my freedom. God bless your family.

Ronn Massie

July 23, 2007

God bless the family and friends of Allen.
You will all be in our prayers.
Thank you Allen for being such a brave hero.

(In remembrance of Cpl. Joey Cantrell 4-4-07)

shawnee (Austin, TX)

July 23, 2007

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

You are an American hero who will not be forgotten for your sacrifice.
RIP

John Wysocki III

July 19, 2007

To the brother I never had, to the friend I always looked up to growing up. I'll never forget you and on be half of country and kin... Thank You

ROBYN GARSIDE

July 19, 2007

MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS. PLEASE ACCEPT MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS. 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

Linda Clifton

July 19, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Bert Holler

July 19, 2007

We are so sorry for your loss. Allen stands as a hero in the finest traditions of the United States Army. Please accept our sympathy and prayers during this hard time. We know your pain. On January 22, 2007 we lost our son-in-law in Iraq. Spec. Nicholas Brown was in 1st Cavalry Division and loved being a soldier. He left behind a young wife and newborn son. We were just in Alpena for the week of July 4th. We fought back tears all day on the 4th as we saw all the flags and heard the music from the concert. We are sorry for Allen's family and the town which must honor another one of it's own. Nick's life verse was Joshua 1:9, The Lord is with you always especially now. Thank you,

Carol Cline

July 18, 2007

Sgt. Allen Greka and Family:

Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.

To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.

connie

July 18, 2007

To the family and friends of Sgt. Allen A. Greka, I am deeply sorry for the loss of yet another fallen hero. Their are no words that can take away the pain you feel right now, but just know that others feel the pain that you feel. May God be with you. R.I.P. Sgt. Allen A. Greka. You will never be forgoten. Sincerely, Connie

July 18, 2007

To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA

valorie

July 18, 2007

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 now they are 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

Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)

July 18, 2007

Rest in peace.

Sandy Bonesteel

July 18, 2007

As the mother of a son (my only child) who is in the Army and deployed; I want to send my condolences.

Gary Alllain

July 17, 2007

Sgt. Allen A. Greka
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.

SHIRLEY DONEY

July 17, 2007

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

Alicia Romero

July 17, 2007

Our deepest sympathy for the loss of Sgt. Allen A. Greka may God received him in heaven and give his family the will to go on. Allen was a true Hero may he rest in peace.

Garnet Jenkins

July 17, 2007

A Multitude of Thanks, to this Brave Young Soldier, who gave his life for our Country and for Freedom. With so much gratitude for his Courage, and his unselfish Dedication and Service.

Rest In Peace now, Sgt. Allen A. Greka, in God's Loving Care and may the Peace of God be with the Greka 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 every day, 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.

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July 14, 2013

Peggy Childers posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2013

AJ posted to the memorial.

June 8, 2013

Charlie Gili posted to the memorial.