In Memory of Mike Bartkowiak lost to Agent Orange in 2014.
Mike Bartkowiak was in the United States Army from 1968-1972.
He was a door gunner in Vietnam from February 1971 till July 17, 1971.
Mike was shot in Laos.
Mike had this to say about being shot. “43 years ago today, the 17th of July was a Sunday. My life ended as I knew it, with the loss of my last friend, and 2 bullets slowing down a touch as they hit me. In all, of the 14 men shot I was the only one that lived, they are still there, 22 kilometers inside Laos. In many ways I never left that place. In so many ways I never left the war. Maybe never will.”
Mike passed away July 19, 2014 from Agent Orange exposure and PTSD.
This is Mike’s last facebook posting.
“I joined the service when I was 16 and went to Vietnam when I was 18. I fought valiantly for our country, little did I know after surviving the bullet holes through my skin, did I know I would fight a bigger battle at home.”
Sandra Lee Bartkowiak