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Pocono News Section
Fallen Soldier Remembered in the Poconos
Fallen Soldier Remembered in the Poconos - Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 04:08AM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Sunday June 13 2010
SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - A Monroe county church honored a soldier who was killed in Afghanistan when his aircraft crashed.
Corporal Micahel Jankiewicz spent his childhood weekends and summers with his father and step mother in East Stroudsburg. Sunday that community honored him with a special service at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church.
Corporal Michael Jankiewicz died in Afghanistan in April. He was 23 years old. Sergeant First Class Joseph Matthews said, " When you remember a hero you look at the heart of a man that did what he like to do."
It was always Mike's dream to serve his country. His cousin Cheryl Hienman said, "Michael always wanted to be a soldier and from our understanding was one of the greatest over there."
He enlisted right out of high school and became an elite Army Ranger. Matthews said, "Army Rangers are t he top of the food chain, when the spear goes forward they're the ones that step in first."
Mike told friends he wasn'tscared to die. The church pastor recalled, " He said 'I will do what needs to be done and if that is what it is - that is what it is."
Mike even went back into service after a devastating injury. He shattered his leg during a parachute training mission. Hienman said, " Michael was determined and over he went and he went back."
Mike's father Tony spoke to the congregation. He said he was proud of his son and hopes that others appreciate his sacrifice. He said, "As you go to sleep tonight, sleep well, for you are protected by the strongest, the bravest and the best."
Mike was buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in April. | |
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