Julian Joseph Szewczyk, Marine, 71, died 29 March 2019 to service-connected injuries from the poisoned air of Vietnam and the poisoned water of Camp Lejeune.
Julian came to the United States as a child after being born in a war camp in Germany after his parents were forcefully relocated from Poland by the German Nazi Regime. Julian became a naturalized citizen of the United States so he could join the US Marine Corps.
He served with honor as part of the 1st Battalion 3rd Marine as a Grunt during the Vietnam war including Operations Kentucky and Lancaster II and the Tet Offensive earning a Bronze Star for acts of combat valor including securing enemy plans and rescuing POWs at great personal injury to himself, he declined the Purple Hearts. After his extended tour and having ‘only 1 hot shower and 1 hot meal in 13 months’, he came back to an unwelcoming country. It was difficult to find work as a Vietnam vet and Julian held a number of part time jobs until given a chance by Duane and Joyce at Dairyman’s Country Club in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin, where he worked until the age of retirement.
Julian was a proud member of the US Armed forces having served in the Marine Corps, Navy Reserves, Army Reserves, and the Army National Guard. He retired from the military after reaching over 23 years in the service and the rank of Chief, which wasn’t bad for a ‘dumb Grunt’ (his words).
Julian fought for rights for his fellow vets and himself. He retired to Tomah, Wisconsin, where he spent his time working with vets at the gym who needed help—both physical and emotional help. He credited his own emotional betterment to the vets he helped as only a combat vet can truly understand a combat vet.
Julian loved the outdoors in any season, he loved riding his Harley, and he loved visiting his son, Jo, and daughter in law, Stephanie, in Canada. He would often discuss the planning of the trips with his friends and would ‘talk nothing but the fun and when he could go back’. He enjoyed the Canadian outdoors and the trips he would take with Steph’s dad. His dream was to move to Canada to be with his family full time.
Julian passed away at the Madison VA Hospital as a result of his service-connected injuries. He said that the care in the VA Hospital in Madison was the best care he had ever received. He passed away after a day of goodbyes to his friends and family on the phone including his brothers Stan and Ted, his friends John, Becky, and Ray; he sent a special message to Steph.
He died after sharing the first and last beer with his only child, Jo, who smuggled the beer into the ICU at his father’s request. His last words were that he loved everyone, told his son not to work himself to death (‘money isn’t everything’) and to take care of Steph, his daughter in law, (‘don’t be scared to understand each other’) and that he wished for only one thing his entire life—to be happy—which is what he leaves as a request to his friends and family. To love everyone and be happy.
His remains will be placed at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please donate to a local grass-roots Vets organization. A university scholarship is set up in Julian’s name.
If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always. Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own.
And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O’Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
Listed as KIA February 7, 1978
Julian was a great man and I am truly honored to have been able to meet and break bread with him. Aside from his military background (to which he was so proud of and I consider heroic acts), Julian was such an influential person to me. He didn’t have to say very much but anyone that has met him would truly say that his presence and actions spoke volumes to his character and in my case would make me rethink my actions as well (so to help keep me on the right path).
His passing is truly a sorrowful one for the world and he always has a special place in my heart.
My only regret is that I didn’t get to thank him for helping me as well.
Here’s to you Julian!
Thank you. Our picture was one of the few in his bedroom. He truly cherished your friendship.
J
Hello Joe,
This is Mike’s mom Carol. He shared this beautiful memorium of your Dad’s life that could only be written by a son who loved him dearly.
I didn’t know your Dad, but he sounded like a proud, hard working man. Your parents have to be very proud of you Joe.
Mike had a lot of nice friends, but I especially remember the young man named Joe who spent a short time with us after catechism class. You were a polite and a pleasure. With deep sympathy for your loss, Carol Brady(Staszak)
Thank you so much for your words. He always knew I was in good hands when I was visiting Mike 🙂
J
Hey Joe, very sorry to hear of your loss. Didn’t know your dad,but short sto r it’s from Mike? . it was good you were able to spend last days with him. I feel it ment a lot to him. I also think your memorial will mean a lot to him Also. Thanks to y ou for his service!!I know Mike is a better person just knowing you. Take care and never for get. Vince
Thank you for your sympathy. Mike tells true (I think, then again, I think Mike is a secret Packer fan…)
I’m sorry for your loss. I remember meeting your dad way back in another life. Take care.
I remember that too. There’s probably photo evidence somewhere. Hope you are well HA.
J
I met your dad at Brenengen Auto in Tomah when he came in for service on his vehicle. He was truly a gem. One of my fellow employees bought his Harley from him, we were just talking about your dad and we both said we wondered if he moved because we had not seen him in quite some time. I tried calling his number and it belonged to someone new. I googled him and was shocked to see that he had passed away. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Marabeth Leum
I hope this finds you well. Thank you for your kind words. He actually spoke kindly of you and your team. In fact, I remember the Harley sale well. He said he sold the Harley to the person who deserved it most.
Jo