A Veterans Day Tribute

Classmate, Class of 1959, Theresa Martin Kitowski's only son and child was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on August 12, 2007. Charles B. Kitowski III, was living in the Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch but was born in Gulfport, MS. He was assigned to the 345th Psychological Operations Company, 2nd Phychological Operations Group, U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, NC. He worked in the finance department at Southwest Airlines in Dallas before deploying to Afghanistan. He earned several military awards, including the Marksmanship Qualification Badge and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is survived by his parents, Chuck and Theresa Kitowski, of Katy, Texas. The family requested that they wanted the Patriot Guard Riders with them on their sons last journey.

They released this statement:

"There is no good time for a tragedy, and when the world loses a young person, our hearts and souls weep more intensely. The Kitowski family is sincerely touched by the concern and interest all have taken in Charles' life. We are proud of our son's life, his accomplishments and his career.

"We would like to thank his friends, work colleagues, and his fellow soldiers at the 345th Psychological Operations Company, for their sincere expressions of sympathy during this very difficult time.

"Your support is appreciated as we mourn the loss of our son who was a caring son and a selfless soldier.

"Charles died doing what he felt duty-bound to do. Please remember his life, his happy memories, his favorite expressions or advice he ever offered. "Keep our family and friends close in your heart and prayers.

Thank you."

(Also, killed with Kitowski were Sgt. lst Class Jeffrey D. Kettle, 32 of Madill, OK and Staff Sgt. Jesse G. Clowers, Jr. 27 of Herndon, VA), May they all rest in peace!