Staff Sergeant Casey J. Grochowiak

Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
US Army

Staff Sergeant Grochowiak's Act of Heroism

4th tour in Afghanistan, did not have to go. Wanted to go to help protect the younger troops. Wanted to lead the way. Was not only a Ranger but a Ranger Instructor.

Casey knew with his last mission that some would not be coming home. This did not deter him, he had committed his life to defend his country. Casey gave the ultimate sacrifice and died August 30, 2010 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol.

My Hero

Awarded: Purple Heart; the Non Article 5 NATO Medal for service with NATO; The Bronze Star Medal. Received recognition letter by President Obama.

Casey knew with his last mission that some would not be coming home. This did not deter him, he had committed his life to defend his country. Casey gave the ultimate sacrifice and died August 30, 2010 of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his patrol.

Letters

This was a special passage shared between Casey and especially his Mother Barbara.

I carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart) i am never without it (anywhere i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling).

i fear no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true) and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

-e.e. cummings