Vincent Kamka

VINCE KAMKA Click here to watch a video of Vince's life BAYJI, IRAQ -- Vincent George Kamka, 23, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 4, 2007, of injuries received while serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom in Bayji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was born May 14, 1984, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Delore Charles "Chuck" Kamka and Brenda Gale Garvin Kamka. He grew up in Idaho Falls and attended Longfellow and Westside Elementary Schools, BFA Private School, Eagle Rock Junior High School, and graduated from Skyline High School in 2003. He lived in Everett, Washington, for one year, and had been serving in Iraq for a year as a Specialist in the U. S. Army. Vince firmly believed in the cause he was fighting for in Operation Iraqi Freedom and served his country with great pride. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed target practice with bow and arrow and guns, hiking, video games, and taking walks with his mother. Survivors include: Parents: Chuck & Brenda Kamka, Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Brendan McHugh, Ocean Beach, CA Brother: Christopher Kamka, Everett, WA Brother: David Hayes, Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Joseph Kamka, Everett, WA Sister: Mia Chase, Herriman, UT Sister: Lisa Heimerl, Sobieski, WI Sister: Yvette Wise, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Mary Tracy, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Cassandra Cantero, Roy, UT Sister: Connie Kamka, Idaho Falls, ID Bangladesh Sister: Shaba Alam Grandmother: Dorothy Kamka, Peshtigo, WI Grandmother: Vivian Kinnie, Gilroy, CA Nieces: Megan, Alyson, Victoria, Mia, Kynda, Makaylla, and Abbygayle; Nephews: Chase, Krahe, Kaeden, Alex, Christopher, Cody, Josh, Bryson, and Michaelangelo. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Delore Kamka and Andrew Garvin. The Soldier’s Creed I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of American in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 13, 2007, at the Idaho Falls LDS Eagle Rock Stake Center, 2020 South Charlotte Drive, with Bishop Larry Klingler of the Idaho Falls LDS 39th Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends Saturday from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home, P. O. Box 51434, Idaho Falls, ID. Military Honors will be performed by the Idaho Army National Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the “Vincent Kamka Memorial Fund” at the Bank of America, 110 N. Holmes Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83401. -------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Annonymous Thank You for your great sacrifice, may you be comforted in your time of grief. Mary @ Pathology billing@ifpath.com Brenda - we are thinking of you every day and praying for your comfort and strength. We can only imagine the pain you are in but we are believing for divine grace to sustain you and your family through this. We never get OVER some things in life, we only get THROUGH them. If there is anything we can do, please call us. Just want you to know we miss your sunny disposition and your sweet nature. Mary Mark Fetzer msfetzer@hotmail.com I offer my sincere condolences to the Kamka family and my gratitude for Vince's sacrifice. Peace be yours in this time of loss. My son (15) is much like Vince, and when I return from Scott AFB I will read to him what has been written about Vince. Until then, allow me to leave with you something written over 200 years ago by a citizen just as me about each American veteran. It applies even more to the fallen, as Vince. I am not able to express my thoughts any better: The tribute appeared in the December 1775 New England Chronicle. The author identified himself simply as “A Freeman” and wrote: "As I have the honor to be an American, and one among the free millions who are defended by your valor, I would pay the tribute of thanks, and express my gratitude . . . . Never was a cause more important . . . than that which you are engaged in . . . for if tyranny should prevail . . . we may expect liberty will expire throughout the world. Therefore, more human glory and happiness may depend upon your exertions than ever yet depended upon any of the sons of man. He that is a soldier in defense of such a cause needs no title; his post is a post of honor, and although not an emperor, yet he shall wear a crown – of glory – and blessed will be his memory!" Jolene Jacobs I want to honor and thank your son, Vincent, and your family for your patriotism and sacrifice. My father served in WWII and we have always appreciated those who serve. May the Lord bless you and yours. My prayers and tears are with you. Jolene Jacobs Elisha Schofield schofilittle@msn.com With deep regards of both gratitude, for all that Vincent stood for, and sympathy, for the loss of a beloved son, brother, friend, and patriot, we send our condolences. The Schofield's Josh, Elisha, Ciara, Ally, Payton, Quay, Tiernan, and Nalani Amanda Hobbs Dierenfelt amandaleapyear7@yahoo.com Dear Mr. and Mrs. Kamka, I have a 4 year old son and this morning when I read about your son in the paper I started to cry. We saw the invitation to come to the airport and we quickly made a sign. Jaden wanted to add his art work as well so his hand prints were strewn across it. As we made it he asked me what Iraq was. We have been praying for the soldiers there but this finally solidified the war in his mind. I explained what I could. Then we climbed onto our bikes and rode to the airport. It was a holy experience to pass the flags and then to see the plane. THANK YOU. We were so touched today be Vince's life. For the sacrifice that he has made for me to be a mom and raise my son. I hope to instill in Jaden the same honor that you have with your son. Thank you for raising such a fine young man to be an example to mine. I am grateful to be an American. Grateful to be protected so that I can go about being a mother. Thank you for acknowledging Jaden and I at the airport. It touched us and we will be putting Vince's newspaper clipping in his journal and recording today's experience. You will be in our prayers. Amanda and Jaden Dierenfeldt Larry and Rebecca Scheunemann rebnodak@msn.com We are so sorry for your loss. The sacrifice Vince made for his country will not be forgotten. We truly appreciate the contribution Vince made to keep us safe & free. He was a true American hero. Thank you for raising such a patriot and credit to his nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Laurel Hall Dear Family of Specialist First Class Vincent Kamka: I want to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I thank you for Vincent's service to our Country. I thank you for your support of him in serving his Country during this time of war. May God Bless you in this time of grief and sacrifice for our Country's freedom. My prayers and gratitude are with you. Laurel Hall - mother of Staff Sargeant Trevor Hall, scheduled to return in December from his 2nd tour in Iraq. Toni Gimpel [tonigimpel@cableone.net] Today another hero was brought home to the loving arms of his family. Idaho Falls and America, has been touched by the loss of your son; every mother, father, brother and sister feels your great pain. We continue to remember Vince and the cause he believed in, that of giving to others the freedoms we enjoy in America. As a wife of a veteran who served in Viet Nam and a mother who's son was also in the military, I know the pride you have for this solider and what he believed in every day when he put on his uniform and fulfilled his duty to our country. I can only send love and ask for God to be with you all during the coming days. Toni Gimpel, Past Department President, American Legion Auxiliary Janet Neitzel I cannot express the sorrow I feel for the loss of your son, brother, uncle and friend. It is definitely a moment to reflect on what being an American means and the men and women who fight to keep us living the lives we have become accustomed to. I know how proud all of you are of Vince and everything he meant. Words cannot express my feelings of what he sacrificed for us. My thoughts are with you now and always. May peace be with all of you today and the days ahead. Janet Bowen Family bwn101@aol.com Your family are in our thoughts and prayers and our hearts go out to you for your loss. "Thank-you" doesn't seem to be enough for the sacrifice you have made for our country and our freedom. To Vincent's mother and father: I want to commend you both for raising such a remarkable son. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Conni and Marty Owen We would like to send you our deepest condolences. We would like to thank Vince for serving so honorably our country and it's citizens. We're so sorry that you, his family had to pay such a huge price for our freedom and safety. God bless you in this difficult time. Our prayers go out to you. Lester Ager l.ager1969@yahoo.com Memories keep those we love close to us forever. With Deepest Sympathy. Erin Sorenson (Huff) sorensons3@juno.com So sorry to hear of your loss. I know the Lord will carry you through this tough time. I am thankful for the freedoms I enjoy and am thankful to those who keep America free! Doug Baxter drvalve@aol.com I wish to express my deep and profound sorrow at your loss. Though I did not know your Vincent, I have known many like him and wish to tell you, his family, that you should be very proud of him. It takes a very special person to fight and defend others. In this day of an all volunteer fighting force, the true heros stand out. Those that give their all, make the optimum sacrifice so the rest of us can remain free, or so another person far away from us can obtain freedom, they are the best of the best. Remember always, "No greater love has any man then this, to lay down his life for his friends." May the blessings of all free people be yours. I am sorry for your loss, but I thank you deeply for your sacrifice. God keep you always in the palm of His hand. Bob and Kathy Burroughs rtb@atcnet.net We were saddened to learn of the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ron & Lisa Farris Although we did not know your son, we want to say how sorry we are for your loss and express our sincere gratitude for the service Vincent gave so willingly to his country so we may have the freedoms that so many Americans take for granted. Our family will remain forever grateful for the brave men and women who risk their lives everyday for others. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Ron, Lisa, Justin and Taylor Farris The National Directory of Chiropractic Our hearts go out to your family at this time. Although things don't make any sense now we hope you can find comfort knowing that someday they will. Vince was a hero and that is something that everyone will always be grateful for. Our prayers are with you all at this time. Russell E. Webb rwebblaw@ida.net Connie: When we met for the first time before the July 4th fireworks I could not have imagined the enormous sacrifice you and your family would so soon be required to bear on behalf of our country. You have been a wonderful neighbor and you and your family are foremost in our thoughts and prayers. Russell E. Webb, Jodi Pinnock, and Annabelle Muir Tina Mattson ma2tson4@msn.com We too are a Military family and share your pain. I know just reading about your great son that he loved his country very much and was proud to serve. Thank you for teaching your children the importance in serving their country. Joe & Lisa Ybarra ybarramuffie@aol.com Yvette and family - Just want you to know you are in our thoughts and prayers and to thank your brother for having the courage to fight for our freedom, but sorry that his life was taken. We are thankful for his service and the many others that are still in the fight. May you find peace and comfort, in time, of your loss. Lynn and Martha Kirby and Family lmkirby@cableone.net Brenda, Chuck and Family, We are very sorry to hear about your loss. We share it with you. We as a family have been talking about the days we were with you in the 37th Ward and the good times our families shared there. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you. Lynn, Martha and family Sherry Fullmer sherry1@compcomp.net Chuck, I'm not sure if you remember me but I used to be the secretary in Plant Services for Scott Cox and enjoyed every minute of working with you and now you work with my son-in-law, Kurt Russell. I am so sorry to hear about your son, I didn't know him but I can tell he was a very fine, wonderful, special man just like his father. You are in my thoughts and prayers through this very difficult time. God Bless you and your family. Sincerely, Sherry Fullmer Scott and Cheri Smith We did not know Vincent, but have no doubt he was a man of extremely fine and heroic character. Your family and Vincent in particular, have our utmost respect. Thank you for raising such a fine man. May Heavenly Father bless and comfort you always. Sincerely, Scott and Cheri Smith Robert & Glenna Roesener roesener@srv.net Although we don't know each other, we share a bond. Ours is also a military family. I (Glenna) have two brothers and one nephew who have served in Iraq--one brother came home with a severe head wound from an IED. His son was stationed at the same base at the same time as he, though he was a marine and my brother army. Thankfully they are all home safely. Our son in law just returned from Afganistan and a new nephew will be leaving his new wife this month for Iraq. My husband is a former Marine. We thank you so much for raising your children with such a sense of patriotism. And we are so very grateful for the ultimate sacrifice paid by your son. I pray God will give your family peace and comfort as only He can. With our sincere sympathy and gratitude, Bob and Glenna Roesener Ray/Linda Proctor jitrbuglinda@hughes.net Yvette and family, The ultimate sacrifice for our country... Vince is a hero and we thank him for serving us and our country to keep us safe. Please accept our condolences and know that you are in our prayers. Love to all, Linda Proctor Kevin and Heather Layton Brother and Sister Kamka, We just want you to know that you and your family are in our prayers. Kevin thought the world of Vince and was glad he got to work with him in Young Mens for a little while. He was an amazing young man. We just want you to know we are thinking about you. Love, Kevin and Heather Layton Linda Ahlberg Dear Brenda, Chuck and family. I am deeply saddened to hear the news about Vince. It hits to close to home… Vince was a good friend to my son Darrin. It was during Vince’s high school years that I got to know him. Vince and Darrin worked at Domino’s pizza, and it was because of Vince that Darrin applied for work there, Vince made the best thin crust pizza and once I ate his I would only order that from then on. It wasn’t the same after he left and I had to go back to my old regular …. Vince was more reserved and quiet than most kids, but when he was at the house, Vince and Darrin would have lots of fun running around. I’d hear them laughing and talking. He was great kid. As you know I am working in Kuwait and have been here since July 2006. It’s different here than it was in Korea, more serious. The military people I have become acquainted with are among the finest I have ever known. I was glad you put the Soldier’s Creed in the paper. Its words they live by, and is very fitting. I am thankful for Vince and what he and the many soldiers like him are accomplishing in Iraq. I think it is very sad and hard to loose anyone and it makes me wonder if anything could be worth the life of a son. I am heart broken by your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Ahlberg (Hodges) Gary Baxter forestgrue@yahoo.com May God Bless You All and give You Strength at this time of tragic loss. Vincent was and remains a True Hero in all our hearts. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. Sincerely, Gary Baxter Jan Baxter baxterj@ida.net Words cannot express the sadness we share with your family as you walk together through this time of loss. Our thanks go out to you for your thoughtfulness in sharing Vince's life through the media. That has given our family, as well as the community, the honor of knowing Vince on a more personal level. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jan and Don Baxter, Gary and Mary Jo Baxter, and Amy and Brian McCall Jan & George Hames hamesjb@cableone.net We want you to know how proud we are of your son and his dedication to serving our Country to ensure our freedom. I have worked with you Chuck for many years at Bechtel but have never had the opportunity to know your family until now. Everyone at work and the surrounding area feels the loss you feel at this time. My husband, George, and I were blessed to have our son, Lee, return from Iraq after 7 months at the Baghdad airport and from Korea, Kosovo, and Turkey. Our oldest son, Allen, is returning next week from Kuwait after being activated in the Navy Reserves, so we have had some of the same worries over the past years that you've experienced. We are so proud of all the people and veterans in this area and the support/love extended to your family. May God comfort your family during this difficult time and bless and watch over all of you. Sincerely, Jan and George Hames Lt. Colonel Ray Swenson and Constance Swenson Dear Brother and Sister Kamka, May the Lord bless and comfort you at this time of loss and grief. May you be comforted to know that your many brothers and sisters in the gospel mourn with you. May you be comforted to know that mortality is just a prelude to an eternal future in which all those whom we hold dear will be reunited with us, never to part. May you be comforted to know that Vincent gave his life in service to his fellow man, both of his own country and of the nation he journeyed so far to set free. The Savior said that there is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends, and then he told the apostles they were his friends. Vince emulated the Savior by volunteering to go into harm's way in order to protect others. He is a friend of the Savior, and has demonstrated the self-sacrificing love of country and of fellow man that is the heart of the American armed forces. We honor his courage and thank you for raising such a good man. Brandi (Kerbs) Anderson Yvette, Chris & family- I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. I did not have the chance to ever meet him but I want to thank you & your family for his heroism & fighting for our freedom, he sounds like he was a wonderful loving person. My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow may god be with you. Brandi Breyan & Breydan Anderson L Shafer Your family does not know me, but I feel I know Vince in my heart. I am the Mother of a Sailor, a Marine & the sister of a 21+ year Marine, all on active duty. These men have been deployed many times to Iraq, Iran, Afganistan, Bosnia, & more; more times than I can remember, we never feel they're safe til they hit US soil! I want to thank you for raising the man you did & Vince for the ultimate price he paid for our freedoms. My heart goes out to you in this time of sorrow. May God give you peace at this time. "Blessed Be The Peacemakers For They Shall Inherit The Kingdom of Heaven." Cody and Brenda Stegelmeier stegbren@isu.edu We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your son. Please know that our prayers are with you. We do not know you, but are so thankful that you would allow your son to serve each one of us in such an honorable way. Please know that our family is thankful to your son for sacrificing his life for each one of us. He is great man. Thank you sincerely, Cody and Brenda Stegelmeier and family John and Ida Barry Chuck and the entire Kamka Family. Please accept our sincerest condolences. We cannot comprehend the depth of your sorrow. This country has lost a true Patriot. You all should be very proud of Vince’s service to this great country and his ultimate sacrifice. My entire family was with me along the road by the Cemetery. After the procession went by we looked up and there were three American Bald Eagles circling overhead as if waiting to escort Vince on his next journey. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of great sorrow. John & Ida Barry and Family Brad and Anita Reed Chuck, Brenda and Family. We have admired your family for years. We share in your mourning at the loss of Vince. Thanks to you and others like you who so honorably protect our freedoms. God Bless. Brad & Anita Reed