SGT Raymond Warlikowski Jr. Army (retired)
June 6, 1975 – August 28, 2016
U.S. Army SGT Raymond W. Warlikowski (retired), 41, of Melbourne, Florida, died Sunday, August 28, 2016, at his home. The son of Raymond (Joanne) of Dunkirk and Jean L. Kirschenhiter of Schenectady, he was born June 6, 1975, in Port Jefferson, NY. He was graduate Schuylerville High School and enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1994. He retired out of Fort Benning on January 30, 2014.
During his time in the Army, SGT Warlikowski served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, Germany, Macedonia, Kosovo, and the Persia Gulf. For his service he was awarded numerous medals, ribbons, and badges, too numerous to mention here. After traveling all over the world with his deployments, Raymond returned to the states to become a teacher to his units while attending night school.
This dedicated soldier cherished his time with his daughter, step-children, mother, and many other relatives and friends. Sadly, after serving proudly in the Army for 20 years, Raymond eventually lost his life to PTSD. His mother Jean states that he was an amazing son. He was her pride and joy and is dearly missed.
Memories shared by his mother: “My son was very adventurous. I remember some of the things that he was doing overseas. He got me a beautiful doll from Germany. He took a tiny Tabasco sauce bottle and filled it with sand from Afghanistan. Back in the states he became a teacher. He had completed four tours already and didn’t want to go back, so by becoming a teacher and going to night school, he was able to finish his 20 years of service. He was an amazing father and so involved with his daughter and 3 stepchildren. His friends told me he was always willing to stop what he was doing and give a helping hand. I heard from fellow soldiers from all over the world after his passing. He always had a smile on his face. I didn’t get to see him very much being away a lot, but he always called me no matter where he was stationed. He was full of surprises. Mother’s Day he sent me a digital photo that read “Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, I love you” from the middle of a war zone in Afghanistan. On Valentine’s Day, on his last year on earth, he sent two dozen chocolate strawberries held by two teddy bears. One of the bears is now with him, and I have the other to cherish.”
Recipient of the Liberty Medal: COMMENDING Raymond W. Warlikowski, Jr. posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the New York State Senate. WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this country’s freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body.
States he called home: New York and Florida
Final resting place is at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery
