MSG Paul Karpowich

MSG Karpowich began his military career as a rifleman in the elite 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  While assigned to the 82nd Airborne, he was deployed to the Sinai peninsula as a Multi-National Force Observer.  He was alerted for deployment to Haiti and was selected to attend the Army's prestigious Sniper school.

Upon his return home to pursue a college degree and reunite with his high school sweetheart, Amanda, Paul's patriotism led him to join the Army Reserve.  While a member of the Army Reserve, Paul became a Drill Sergeant and eventually a Senior Drill Sergeant.  

His military career was relatively brief for someone who attained the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8.)  However, he earned every bit of it.  He embodied what those of us in the Army call "High Speed, Low Drag."  If anyone deserved to make Master Sergeant in 13 years of service, it was Paul.

The  apex of his career came during his deployment to northern Iraq in the fall of 2004.  After two weeks of patrols in the dangerous streets of Mosul, Paul got a chance to return to base and catch a meal and a shower.  While there, he and numerous fellow American soldiers were killed in action by the cowardly acts of a suicide bomber who struck the chow hall at Forward Operating Base Marez at lunch time.

Please take a minute to review the awards and achievements Paul attained:

In order from top to bottom,  left to right:

Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device.  NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Multi-national Force Observers Medal.

From left to right then top to bottom:

Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Sniper School Graduate, Parachutist's Badge and Drill Sergeant Badge.

"To us and those like us, damn few left! "   

Read about Paul Karpowich's Civilian Life