SPC Jeremiah W. Schmunk

killed in action July 8th 2004

[SPC Jeremiah W. Schmunk] Official Media Releases; Photo Courtesy Schmunk Family   -   Posted Jul, 2004

The Washington National Guard regrets to announce the death of one of its members serving on federal active duty in Iraq.

Specialist Jeremiah W. Schmunk, 20, an Infantryman assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry, a part of the 81st Armored Brigade, died July 8th, as a result of hostile action near Baghdad.

SPC Schmunk graduated from Warden High School, Warden, Washington in May of 2002 and immediately joined and began training with the Washington Army National Guard. Before deploying with his unit in March of this year, Jeremiah attended Columbia Basin College.

Washington Governor Gary Locke issued this statement; “I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Specialist Jeremiah Schmunk, a Washington National Guard soldier. My sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends and fellow guardsmen. I ask all Washingtonians to keep our soldiers in their thoughts as they carry out their duties in Iraq.”

Major General Timothy Lowenberg, the Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard added that he and the entire Guard membership wish to express their heartfelt sympathy to Specialist Schmunk’s family and loved ones.

SPC Schmunk is survived by his mother Shirley Schmunk, Richland, his Aunt Nancy Daly, and husband John of Richland, and his Aunt Emma Iback, and husband Jim of Yakima. He has many other family members in Richland and Yakima.

On behalf of himself and his Command Sergeant Major, Brigadier General Hilman has issued this statement: "We are all deeply saddened by the death of SPC Schmunk. On behalf of the 81st Brigade Combat Team Soldiers, Command Sergeant Major Barr and I wish to express our most sincere regrets to the Schmunk family. We will keep the families and comrades of all of those fallen and wounded in our prayers. God bless the brave and courageous Soldiers of the 81st Brigade Combat Team and our loved ones."