Chester J. Kaminski

SFC retired Chester J. Kaminski, U. S. Army, died Sunday, Sept. 1, 2007, in Flowers Hospital. He was 77. Graveside services with military rites will be Thursday at Woodlawn Memory Gardens in Ozark at l0 a.m. The family will receive friends at graveside. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wiregrass Humane Society. Chester was born in Krakow, Poland, to Whaolustaw and Wevonika Kaminski on Oct. 15, l929. Chester was a career army soldier joining the American Army under the Lodge Act. His love for the army and his country was second only to his love for his family. His army career spanned 26 years. Chesters incredible journey to freedom began in Poland. He was incarcerated in a labor camp following the German invasion of Poland when he was 12. At 14, he escaped to join the Polish Army fighting in Russia against Germany. Following World War II, he returned to Poland which was under communist rule. His desire for freedom led to a harrowing escape and enlistment in the American Army. After joining the army he became a U.S. citizen in 1958. His army career included tours in Germany, Korea, and Viet Nam before he returned and finished his career at Fort Rucker. His distinguished career included war time injuries, the Flight Metal, and the meritorious Service Medal. He received a special citation from President Richard Nixon for assistance in maintaining the security of his country. Chesters life could be summarized as proud to be an American and proud to be free. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beatriz Kaminski of Ozark; his daughter and son-in-law, Roni and Dr. Allen Latimer of Dothan; two sons, Gregory Kaminski of Fort Worth, Texas, and Chester Kaminski of Ozark. Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home in Ozark, (334) 774-4551, is in charge of arrangements.