Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

"Thinking of you this weekend. As friends and family gather, please know you are deeply missed and I am telling everyone about your antics and bullshit taste in music. Ha!"
Chad of Phoenix, AZ

"Would have loved to witness your shenanigans as a 40-something. Happy Birthday dear friend, miss you. Sup!"
Chad of Glendale, AZ

"Eight years ago the other day. Can't believe how time has flown by. We think about you every day bud. Miss you and your antics."
Johnny of Arlington, VA

"Hey bud. Thinking of you today as always. Miss you so much and hurt as much today as when your dad called me."
Johnny of Arlington, VA

"happy birthday baby brother"
tracey of phoenix az

"Today a Historian interviewed me to talk about my deployments to Iraq. I mentioned your name and he was very familiar with your Army Story. I still get all teared up when speaking of you but I know you are in a better place..Miss you homey."
SSG (P) Terry Lee-Chamberlain of Fort Hood, Texas

"Thinking about you and Jessie Ault alot today. It seems like yesterday that everyone was laughing and joking about missions. You made a hard stressful time easier. Never forgotten and always missed."
Trick of Virginia

"Miss you bud. Think of you every day. Sean and I had a good talk about you on Wednesday. We will always remember you and share your stories with others."
Johnny of Arlington, VA

"Hey there bro, its been five years since i last saw you and think of you everyday.I want to tell you thanks for all of what you did for us. Your truly my hero.I cant stop and think of the days me and you use to play basketball together. You were always very competitive but you could never beat me. Either way i loved playing with you and going on missions with you, you always made me laugh. Will never forget you thanks for everything"
Garibay, Victor of kingsburg, ca

"Ski, it has been five years now and not a day goes by that I don't think about you. I hope that you have found some peace and I look forward to the day we meet again."
Joe Cormier of Salem Va

"Hey bud. Thinking of you again as we head into the 4th of July holiday. Still miss you as much as ever. Life isn't as much fun without you around. Stil tell Brayden about you. Can't wait until he is older and understands more of what I am telling him. Love you my brother."
Johnny of Arlington, VA

"Jim thinking of you this day. Thank you for keeping us safe. Look down on us and watch over us."
Roger of Glendale

"Hey Jimmy. Just missed posting on your birthday. You are still missed, more than ever. Once again I am in this utopian paradise called Iraq, and can't help but wonder and daydream about how great this mission would be if you were here to keep me entertained...take care. Have one for me."
Chad of Taji, Iraq

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry. I understand in theory only that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take the families pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3"
Scott Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Four years ago today bud. Can't believe it. As you know, a few of us down here have named our kids after you. I have told the story of Uncle Jimmy to Brayden James. He didn't understand a word I was saying, but I will share your story again.

Miss you bud. Have a Rum and Coke for me and keep looking over those beautiful babies at ASU."
Johnny of Arlington, VA

"”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 you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,450 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Contact us directly at Projectcompassion@manti.com 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"
Kenna of Manti, Utah USA

"Hey bud. Thinking of you today. You probably know we moved to VA and know about Brayden James. Told him about his namesake. Haven't told him any stories yet. Will wait until he is a bit older.

Keep an eye on him for us if you would. Cute kid. If you were still with us, I might worry he was yours since you know about Danielle's little crush on you.

Love and miss you bro."
Johnny of Alexandria, VA

"Ski
I thank you for what you did, Your efforts saved lifes and is truly a real act of being a hero, You will live in the hearts and minds of all those who knew you for as long as they live, I think of you often all though we never sat down together for very long, I find myself smiling when I think of you and crying when I think of what happened to such good person. I know that you have changed my outlook along with others on what true soldiering is about. Rest in Peace"
SFC D'Andrea

"MAN THEIR ISN'T A DAY I DON'T THINK OF YOU. WE WEREN'T THE BEST OF FRIENDS BUT I CAN'T STOP THINKING OF YOU AND YOUR HUMOR AND KINDNESS. I REMEMBER WHEN I WAS SITTING OUTSIDE OF MY ROOM A LITTLE DEPRESSED AND YOU CAME AND ASKED ME TO PLAY CARDS. THAT WAS THE KIND OF PERSON YOU WHERE. MY MEMORY ISN'T SO GOOD ANY MORE BUT FUNNY THING I CAN REMEMBER EVERYTIME I SAW YOU THAT MORNING B4 WE LEFT. WE WHERE PROMOTED TO SGT TOGETHER. I MISS YOU MAN I WISH I COULDA DONE SOMETHING THAT DAY. SEE YA SOME DAY."
SGT RABORN of SQUAW VALLEY, CA

"Ola Senor. Of course I still miss you, probably don't need to speak on that. But seriously. Everyone is starting to reproduce (even Bloomer) and you would have been so bad-* around all those s&*t monsters! Man, I wish my kids could have met Uncle Jimmy. See you in about 50 my friend. And as Jimmy would say..."SUP!!"

Your unfunny friend,
Chad E Boy"
Chad of Glendale

"Three years today my brother and friend. We all miss you so much. Chad summed it up best when he said things just aren't as much fun here anymore. It's true my brother. We are still having good times, but your humor and laughter is missed.

I know you are making things fun up there. Keep chasing the girls, drinking some cold beers, and looking out for us."
Johnny of Peoria, AZ

"September 29, 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"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"I will never forget your humor; your smile and most of all; the fact that you paid the ultimate price for my freedom."
VICTORIA SCUOLA (1SG RETIRED) of Tucson, AZ

"What's up UJ? Thinking of you on this Memorial Day. Today is exactly why we have this holiday - to celebrate those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us. Miss you every day and wish you were here with us."
Johnny of Peoria, AZ

"Hey UJ,
I knew you left some kiddies behind! Right on my friend. Miss you like crazy. No one is funny. That genuine, unique humor is gone, and everyone now walks around and simply rips off your old lines for their own. Bastards.
Take care, see you in about 60 yrs.
Chad E Boy"
Chad of Glendale

"Uncle Jimmy,

Thinking about you quite a bit lately. Had a small toast on your b-day. Short on words but long on thoughts. Hope you are keeping things lively up there, watching us still here telling stories about our UJ. Miss you bud."
Johnny of Peoria, AZ

"don't know quite where to begin. was a fellow gunner on that tour. first time i met him, i was sprawled out over the engine of a hummer, trying to find some leaking brake fluid at about 2 in the morning.
he asks "need any help?"
"nah, i'm fine" i replied.
about 10 seconds later i've got another flashlight beam shining through the engine compartment, and about 3 bottles of brake fluid plunked down at the windshield.
could never pronounce that name right, so i stuck with "whiskey". he never walked by without a smile and asking how i was doing. brother you couldn't begin to know how much you are missed by us all. i've got two little girls now, and when they get old enough to ask about the war, you'll be the first thing i tell them about. you make me proud to have served with you. i only wish i would have been able to know you a little longer or a little better.
with love and respect"
just another dumb gunner of virginia

"Hey Uncle Jimmy, just wanted to tell you we know you are watching over us and our son James Brady. Tabi's phone rang the other day and it was your cell phone and no one was there, so we know you're still with us. I still think about you every day man. Miss those road trips of AZ and the whole U.S. for that matter. Really miss those dive bars, but that's a whole other story. Merry Xmas brother, the Wilsons"
Josh WIlson of Scottsdale, AZ

"SKI,
It's been a little over 2yrs. and not a day goes by where at some part of my day I dont stop and think about you. You truly are a hero."
Sgt. Aranda of California

"SKI/DP
MAN, BRO... IT'S BEEN TWO YEARS NOW. I FEEL TODAY THE SAME WAY I DID ON THAT ONE DAY I FOUND OUT YOU WEREN'T GOING TO MAKE IT TO THAT CONCERT WE TALKED ABOUT GOING TO. AS STUPID AS IT MAY SOUND, I STILL END UP LEAVING YOU MYSPACE COMMENTS AS IF YOU ARE STILL CHECKING IN FROM TIME TO TIME. I DIDNT EVEN KNOW YOU HAD THIS PAGE.. I WAS JUST LOOKING ONLINE FOR STORIES ABOUT YOU (YOUR MOM TOLD ME YESTERDAY THAT THEY HAD DONE A STORY ABOUT YOU..) I TYPED UP YOUR NAME AND A WHOLE LIST OF STORIES MENTIONING YOU POPPED UP; THEN I RAN INTO THIS PAGE... I MISS YOU BRO. YOU ARE CONSTANTLY HEAVY ON MY MIND. WISH I WOULD HAVE STAYED W YOU LONGER. I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SPEND THE TIME W YOU THAT I DID, BUT CHEATED FOR THE TIME WE WERE APART.
LOVE YOU BRO"
SGT. C. GOMEZ (RICO) of LOS ANGELES

"Ski,
it has been 2 years now and I miss you like no one could imasgine. I think of you everyday. You are a Brother at arms and God has taken you home for another mission. When one angle falls, another is sent to take their place. It must have taken alot of Angles to take your place. Sleep well my Brother and I will see you on the other side. To Ski's Family, Thank You soo very much for allowing me to know Ski. He will always be with me.
SCOTTY"
Bill Scott of Ft. Pickett

"It is hard to sum up Jimbo in such a short space. I had not talked with him in a number of years since I left AZ. Strange how that happens. I worked with Jim at ASU Parking and Transit. We had a blast there searching out the best bathrooms on campus to do a 10-40 or whatever the code was for bathroom break. I lived above where Parking and Transit was located and he used to come up to our place after work have a few beers and take on Jeopordy when we had it on. He could nail so many questions. The guy had such a laid back attitude, but was so smart. I have so many stories about Jim that I could go on and on, but I think the main point has been mentioned above. Everyone that met Jim loved him. He was such a great guy and person that you always wanted to be around. He always had the best stories and lives are made up of stories. I will always remember the stories that I have shared with Jim. I am frustrated that I only found out what happened last week when I was reading the USA Today. Paul and I were talking about Jim a week ago when we were in NY and wondering what our old friend was up to. Broke my heart when I heard the news. He was such a great guy and an even greater friend."
Sam of Denver, CO

"THIS IS A MESSAGE FROM THE MEDICS THAT ARE NOW LIVING WHERE YOU ONCE WERE. WE ARE A UNIT FROM PA NEAR PHILADELPHIA 213TH ADA. WE WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND KNOW THAT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AND TO THOSE THAT HAVE GIVEN THEIR ALL."
KOOLAID CLINIC of ASHRAF

"Thank you, ski... Thank you... We've heard so much about you, that we feel like we know you... we just want to say thank you so much for seeing our brother and friend, Keith, home to us...
we will keep you and yours always in our hearts and thoughts..."
Geremy, Levi, and Javy of Tucson, Az

"Drinking Buddy, I miss you and love you bro'. Sometimes when I'm at home I sit here; think about you. Its a tragedy, But God only wants the good ones up there, and you were the best!"
Luna, Efren of Anaheim, Cali

"SKI ,
What were you doing in Iraq ? You're in your thirties . Got a loving family . A good job . Told me it was because of what those bastards did on 9/11 . Now you've got another family . A military family , that loves you . We're all your brothers and sisters . I could be mad at the world . Don't try cheering me up . You'll just make me madder . Ski shows with his infectious smile and care free attitude . I can't stay mad . A real man and one hell of a soldier .
Heard of gunners that would have weapon problems and drop down in the turret . When Jimmy's 50cal. was having problems he'd turn that MAW-DUCE into a bolt action rifle . Bang - eject - bang - eject , savin' lives . The 50cal. was working fine that day . But you see there was this grenade . But you kept shootin' , saving three more lives on your way out .
Some times , just to show us how terible war really is , HE takes the best . You're proof of that , Ski .
I SALUTE YOU"
SSG Bill MacRae of Buckeye/Goodyear , Arizona

"To the family of:James Witkowski I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015. Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga"

"I have seen your profile on MySpace.com and didn't realize. I want to thank you for what you did for America and those you served with. My family sends our prayers to your comrades and family. Supporting Our Troops in the Middle East and at home here in the great United States of America! Thank You Sir!"
Nathaniel Raider of DFW, Texas

"Hey, happy belated birthday. I miss you like mad I tell you!!! MAD!"
Chad E Boy of Phoenix!

"You are one of the most amazing men I have ever met. I have so much respect for you for what you did. I love and miss you brother. Nobody will ever make me laugh like you did. R.I.P. my brother. Love you man!!"
Jeremy of Tempe

"Some people live each day as if it were their last. That's how Jim lived each second."
Jeremy (Big J) Farrington of Lakewood CO.

"I am one of the convoy drivers sgt. witkowski escorted in Iraq. He was a good soldier and I am glad to have known him. He had a real good sense of humor."
"jayhawk" wallace mcnabb of lincoln,ne

"Uncle Jimmy..
My friend. Where the hell are you. We are carrying on with the revolution, and Davis is the interim MOT. I miss you. You've been gone long enough...come back now..."
Chad of Glendale!

"Barbara and Jim,
Not a day has passed since I heard this on TV, that I don't think about your wonderful son who almost became my son-in-law. He was a GREAT young man; I loved him and felt terrible when he and Wendy broke up. His picture is in my living room. Blessing to you both."
Jayne Darienne of Sun City, AZ

"It's been a year since you left us. I think of you everyday.I miss you everyday. Thank You for being you and for being my FRIEND & BROTHER"
Bill Scott of Petersburg, Va.

"Hey there Uncle Jimmy. Chad e Poo returned home to Phoenix this evening. The guys toasted you and you were in our minds. It still seems odd that you won't join us in these activities again. We so miss you.

Your folks will be with Danielle and me in two weeks. I know you will be there in spirit.

We miss you bud."
Johnny of Arizona

"Happy 4th of July my brother. Thinking of you quite a bit today. We all miss you so much."
Johnny of Arizona

"Thank You for the sacrifice your family has given. My nephew Phillip Witkowski was killed last year in Afganistan. Our prayers are with you. Tom Witkowski"
Tom Witkowski of East Amherst, New York , USA

"Uncle Jimmy,

We go way back to our college days at ASU Parking and Transit Services. Those were the good old days. Your were my right hand man. Even though we both left ASU and parted ways, we somehow ended up on the same path. I had no idea that we woud both be military men. Our attitudes on life were the same. Get it done! Bro you are a true American Hero!! My heart goes out to you and your family. God bless you. We will miss you bro!"
SPC Ted L. Cooper (AKA) Uncle Teddy of Phoenix, AZ

"Ski,

Not a day go by I dont think of you. That I dont think of the day before your tragedy, of us sitting outside your room drinking a cola together, you dipping your tobacco and me smoking mines. Chating about the things we will do when we return to Arizona. It doesnt seem right with me here without you. I will remember those days of us hanging out together and carry your memory forever. I laugh sometimes to myself about you and I playing spades together when we was out on missions. "Man you never could get your hand right."
SSG Terry Ann Lee of Tucson, AZ

"Hey buddy I just wanted to say the impact you left on me is one I will never forget. I keep thinking back to all the jokes and good times. You are one for the records man. I WILL NEVER FORGET "SKI" take care bro- we will catch up one day..."
Mark Ansbro of Tucson, Az

"Ski, we all miss you, I can't express how much I miss you! You are a true hero to all of us! I will remember you always. Take care Ski, I'll see you up there!"
BigTerp of Tucson, AZ

"Jim,
We buried Papa Jim today. Together you guys can watch over the Chadster and bring him back safe. I think of you and your folks often. We all miss you!!"
Roger of Glendale Arizona

"Hey Ski! Just wanted to say hello and i miss you! I'm coming to see you soon. love you."
Crystal of Phoenix, AZ

"Happy Birthday my brother. Missing you more and more. I will be heading up to the cemetary in a little bit. Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you."
Johnny of Glendale, AZ

"I want to thank James, an fallen warrior,for doing his duties for his country, and making sure Mike made it home safe. I never got to meet you only hearing stories. You are one of a kind, thank you. Mike and I send our condolences to your family and friends."
Bo of Hampton,Va

"There arent words that can express how i feel ski. Just doesn't feel the same anymore. Time passes, but we still feel the pain. We love you ski. It was an honor just being you're friend....but serving with you was so much more. Love you and miss you brother."
SGT Rosario of Fresno, CA

"I would like to take a moment to thank you James. Thank you for going beyond your call of duty and making sure my brother Keith made it home safe. I would like to send my condolences to all of your family and friends. I never got the chance to meet you. Not a day goes by without you in my thoughts. Godspeed my brother. You will be in my heart and thoughts forever. I will pay you and your family the respected visits you deserve. If anyone ever needs anything please let me know."
Travis R Lamott of Tucson,AZ USA

"While I had only met "Uncle Jimmy" a few times, his spirit and soul had a tendency of leaving an indelible mark on you. I admired him for his close connection with a network of friends that was and is a family. His memory will live on in those that were lucky enough to call him a friend and even those of us who knew him not so well. His sacrifice will never be forgotten! My family’s thoughts and prayers are with the Family and Friends of James “Uncle Jimmy” Witkowski."
Mike of Houston, TX

"Thinking of you and how much I miss you. I think of you every day Uncle Jimmy. You were supposed to be back with us now. I thank you again for your sacrifice. When Danielle and I were at Arlington, you were with us.

We all miss you so much. Please know that your antics keep us laughing and always will. Miss you brother."
Johnny of Glendale, AZ

"Thinking of you and how much I miss you. I think of you every day Uncle Jimmy. You were supposed to be back with us now. I thank you again for your sacrifice. When Danielle and I were at Arlington, you were with us.

We all miss you so much. Please know that your antics keep us laughing and always will. Miss you brother."
John of Glendale, AZ

"A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, transforming the
yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I
believe, completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out
in the cold and the dark of the night, a lone figure stood,
his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You
should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light. Then he
sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by
choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.
"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam', And now it is
my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more
than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her
smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red,
white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my
family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through
the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little
to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you
money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?" It seems all too
little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife
and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To
stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come
home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought
and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT!"
A friend

"A man for the ages. Uncle Jimmy!!!!!!

Over the last few years (primarily from the age of 30 on) I have realized, and contemplated in a chewy philosophical manner the essential design of life: That it is, as someone wiser than me once said, designed to break your heart. One day, we arise with the relentless sun, and realize our friends have taken sail on that silver ship towards whatever awaits, and we are immersed into a loneliness and emptiness within our guts that only those who have suffered loss can relate. In our 20's, through those rollicking blurry nights of cramming and endless cheers, we contemplate immortality as if it were as plausible as one day crapping ourselves into an adult size diaper, and turn a defiant soul and mind toward death. Then the innocence is crudely slapped out of us, by whatever unrelenting hand is doing the slapping, and no one is exempt.

The news of Uncle Jimmy being dead, having everything taken way from him...hearing that news from John who was breaking down over the phone erupted those fears, and my heart broke. For the first time in my life, I wept for a loved one who took a piece of my heart with him. I have lived a charmed life never to have experienced that loss until now.

Man, what a freakin' bad-*, beautiful soul Uncle Jimmy was. He possessed an acidic wit, venom tipped tongue while donning angel wings. Each of us is truly better to have known him. Like Park and Swap stories, tales of his humor and infallible good-nature will persevere as long as I have breath in my lungs. The man was beautiful. Who is not genuinely messed up by his passing? Blame his passing not on our country. Still the greatest in the world, I know this. He believed in what he was doing, even as both of us enlisted not initially out of patriotic semblance, but out of monetary gain. He was proud to serve. If his fellow soldiers got to know him 1/8th as well as we did, they are a wreck, and probably rendered incompetent to complete their mission.

Please remember him. That killer smile, those baby blues which made women of all ages swoon. Of his ability to live so comfortably within his skin, his honesty and straight forward nature often left me contemplating my own regard to a life well lived.

I will miss being called "Chad e boy". I will miss being asked to go boozin at any hour of any day. I will miss frequenting holes like the "Dew Drop Inn", or even "Jimbos" at 51st Ave and Cactus. Places I would never frequent on a solitary mission, but with Uncle Jimmy, it simply meant good times and better conversation and incomparable laughs.

I will miss the possibility of possibly getting in trouble while with him. As a young lad attending Palo Verde Junior High, that meant trouble with my mom due to our antics. As a suburbanized adult, that meant trouble with my wife due to our antics.

Your energy, and glorious aplomb will be missed. May I see you again one day, on those silver shores, with a crappy beer in your hand, and mischief on your face.

I love you Uncle Jimmy. Godspeed in your final journey.

Your friend
Chad e boy"
Chad Fisher of Phoenix, AZ

"Jim, We will miss you. We know you are in Heaven and will pray for you and those that love you. We are proud that you served our country and will never forget you or the sacrifice you made to keep us safe."
Aunt Diane & Uncle John of HorseHeads N.Y

"Jim was a brave man and we are proud to say that he was a part of our family. we could not be prouder of what he and every other soldier has and continues to do for our country. Aunt Barb and Uncle Jim our thoughts and prayers are with you and Jim. God Bless you all please know he will never be forgotten."
Adrew Witkowski & Family Bill Witkowski & Family, Robin Allen & Family of Elmira N.Y

"I want to pay my respects to our hero James Witkowski and to his family. Please know that you have my love, repsect and prayers. For it is becasue of true hero's like Jimmy, the rest of us enjoy our freedom."
Mark Tocci of Glendale, AZ

"We buried a good man today and the world is a sadder place for it. Jimmy, you are missed and will never be forgotten. Keep watch over Chad and bring him home safe."
Roger of Glendale Arizona

"My heart aches for the family and friends of Sgt Witkowski. Our son is in Iraq for the second time. My prayers are with each of you during this difficult time. Blessings to each of you!!"
Alice of Surprise, AZ

"I remember the first time I heard about 'Uncle Jimmy'. I wondered what is Tim doing hanging out with some old guy? After meeting you and finding out you weren't so old after all, I understood why people liked being around you. You were the one always making people laugh in your own special way. Thanks for being so brave. You will be missed."
Michelle

"I'm sitting 10 feet away from where I last saw you my friend; at Chad and Nikki's house after a night of celebrating, with a stack of poker chips and the girl you were seducing. I can't believe you will never walk through our door again with that big smile, piercing baby blues and infective, positive energy. We have lost a part of our family and the void seems to extend into eternity. I will miss you my friend. May all of your family and friends find comfort in each other. May your soul never rest..."
Tim Ostapuk of Surprise, AZ

"Dear Jim,

May you fall into Gods Arms as you fall to rest. I only knew you for a very short time, but the impression will never be forgotten. You left me with a smile and a laugh. Thank you for honoring our country. You are a true HERO!"
Melissa Karner of Surprise, AZ, USA

"Jimmy, You ARE a hero and I'm so glad you touched my life and lives of my sons, Chad & Kyle. They would have had quite a boring childhood without you! Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten and neither will your awesome baby blues! Please watch over Chad for us all and keep smiling. I love you Jimmy."
Susan Fisher-Hentges of Hood River, Or

"Barbara, Jim & family, So very sorry for the loss of your son, Jim. He will always be a hero to many. He is home with our Lord. God Bless. Sincerely, Kathy (Lewis) & Duane Sontag"
Kathy Sontag of Sidney Center, N.Y. USA

"Uncle Jimmy, I will always remember your laugh and carefree spirit. You have touched many lives with your humor and friendship. I will forever remember your kindred spirit and smile. You have made us proud and given the biggest sacrifice. I will always remember the gift of freedom you fought so hard to protect for all of us. May you enjoy the next life as much as you enjoyed the one here on earth."
Amanda Flynn of Glendale, AZ

"I love how whenever I introduced someone new to Uncle Jimmy they were always initially taken back... but then I would always watch with pure delight and utter amazement as Uncle's Jimmy's inherent genuineness and friendly demeanor won them over. Happened every time. Jimmy's contagious smile and feel-good attitude was too much to resist. If you got to know him, you loved (and still love) him. I miss you my friend. God speed."
Sean of San Diego

"You are a legend that will live on forever in the stories of your family and friends. Your clever wit that made so many laugh will continue on in the retelling of your infamous stories. Thank you for impacting and being a part of my brothers life!"
Katie Bloom of Glendale, AZ

"The first time I met you, I was so happy everyone called you "Uncle Jimmy" because I had the hardest time pronouncing Witkowski.
Over the next 10 years, it was a blessing any time we had a chance to have a battle of wits, play softball, arm wrestle, drink a few beers or sit there and watch the rest of the guys do what it is that makes our group of friends special. Now that you've moved on to that better place, there is a huge hole in our circle of friends and no one will ever be able to fill it. A part of you will always live inside each and everyone of us though so you'll always be around. I know that the part that is in me will make me a better person.
See you on the golf course, or the softball field, or in the tavern of heaven, My Friend."
Matt Ostapuk of Phoenix, AZ

"Live for Jimmy!"
of Phoenix, AZ

"Jimmy,
You are a hero! I hope your new drill sergeant gives you the biggest of hugs. We will miss you but you live on in our hearts forever. The tales of Uncle Jimmy will make us all laugh always. We love you and we are proud of you."
Marian of Glendale, AZ

"Uncle Jimmy- You are one of a kind and will never be forgotten. You will be in the hearts and minds of your many friends and family everyday. I will even miss you and Chad getting into trouble together as much as Chad will. Your service, courage, and sacrifice will not be taken for granted. Thank you."
Nikki Fisher of Glendale, Arizona

"Uncle Jimmy,

Dude, I am having a tough time with this one. The funniest person I have ever met in my life. Who am I going to get in trouble with? Who is going to sing Spongebob Squarepants at softball now? My brother, you will be missed by many but your friends and family will remember you forever. I am proud to say I knew you my brother. Be at my wedding next year in spirit and you can even flirt with Danielle (again). Love you and brothers always."
Johnny of Surprise, AZ

"SKI...What can we say that we havent said a thousand times already. We miss you, we wish things had happened differently. We wish you were still here making us laugh with all your silly comments you were famous for. Rock On Ski. Keep an eye on us left out here. We still need you to win this fight. As modest as you were at heart I truely think you would be amazed at the affect loosing you has had on this company. We miss you so much SKI. We'll never forget you and well see you on the other side brother. Keep a spot for us, well be looking for ya when we get there!"
SPC Meagan Dean of LSAA, IRAQ

"SKI I owe you my life and we know you were firing that 50cal unti the last second, the vehicle you hit was packed with explosives aimed for us we will never forget you."
SPC Alvarez Julian of 729th TC LSA Anaconda

"I very sorry to here of his death. He was a great soldier and still is. I was in the 2nd Trans Company, He was attached to my unit we were in Tikrit in 2003. I was his Platoon Sergeant. If anything I can do contact me. I will pray for him."
SFC 'R' CHET GRAY of SAN ANTONIO TEXAS

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness,
and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief.
Our nations HERO, James will be remembered by name.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
God Bless you ALWAYS.
Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"Thank you James Witkowski, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of Sgt. James Witkowski:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless James for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of Sgt. James Witkowski:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of James, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia