September 17, 2009:

Today I have the honor of performing at the grave of PFC Leonard Gulczyski - US Army. I never met or knew Leonard. I met his father and mother last spring in Naperville when I performed at the Gold Star Family Prayer Service, hosted by Operation Support Our Troops and Leonard's father Mike asked me to be a part of this one year-anniversary memorial service.

Over the past few months I have learned a lot about this 19-old Soldier, who over came a lot to seek out a life long dream; becoming a United States Soldier.

Lenny was the firstborn child of Jacqueline and Michael Gulczynski and big-brother to sister Jackie and brother Mike. He struggled with asthma as a child but that never kept him from becoming a stellar athlete, lettering in football and volleyball at Bartlett High School. (Illinois)

Lenny was a third generation Soldier, following his father and grandfather in this great family tradition. He joined the US Army after high school graduation.

He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO where he trained as an engineer heavy equipment operator, military occupational specialty 21E and was at the top of his class in physical fitness.

In November or 2007, he was assigned to the 610th Engineer Support Company-14th Engineer Battalion at Fort Lewis, WA and was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on April 9, 2008.

Lenny was loved by everyone who knew him, I'm told his smile was contagious and his fellow Troops said he ALWAYS saw things in a postive light. Lenny conducted over 20-combat patrols as a driver or gunner and tracked over 100 missions as a Company Operations Specialist.

One year ago today, Lenny was serving as a gunner in a Humvee, in a convoy south of Baghdad and tragically died as a result of a vehicle accident. He was 19-years old.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Overseas Ribbon, Army Service Ribon and the Purple Heart.

I will sing five songs at Lenny's memorial service today (National Anthem, Brave Warrior, An American Soldier, God Bless the USA and In My Life.) Col. Renato Bacci (US Army ret.) will speak as will Chaplin Aleria of the 14th ENG Battalion, Father Robert Hoffenkamp, Illinois Senator John Millner, Nate Rivera and Capt Colon and Cap Johnson of the 14th ENG Battalion.

23 members of Lenny's Company who were serving in Iraq with Lenny at the time of his death will be at the service.

I praise Mike and Jacqueline for organizing this incredible afternoon for Lenny's brothers in arms, and giving them a chance to say goodbye to their Fallen Hero/Brother.

If you happen to be near Assumption Cemetery in Wheaton, IL at 4:00 PM today, please stop by to honor this Fallen Hero and support his family and friends.

"Lenny, you are missed terribly by all who knew you and rest assured that you will always be in our hearts." ~ Mike and Jacqueline Gulczynski