This memorial website was created in the memory of our loved one, SGT Cory R. Mracek. We will remember him forever.
Cory Ryan Mracek was born March 16, 1977 in Chadron. He attended several different schools in the Panhandle before coming to Mirage Flats. He attended Hay Springs High School and graduated in 1995. He played football and basketball for four years and participated in track one year. He attended CSC one semester and then joined the National Guard.
He returned to Chadron after Basic training and several months later decided to join the Army. He spent his first year in South Korea. While there, he was given several medals. He was chosen to be a United Nations Command Honor Guard for six weeks. Only the best soldiers were picked from each unit. He also had the honor of patrolling for a Four Star General, the Commander in Chief of the United States and Korean forces.
He went to Fort Campbell, KY where he trained in air assault. He came home when his four- year tour was done and worked as a night stocker at Walmart. The Army life was calling him after 9-11 because his country needed him. That was what he was trained to do.
He re-enlisted and went to training at Fort Sill, OK to be a forward observer. He graduated from school in June 2002 and proceeded to Korea for 12 months. Because of the war in Iraq, his tour was extended to 15 months. He arrived in the states in October 2003 and proceeded to Ft Benning, GA where he attended training to become a paratrooper. He loved the thrill the first time he jumped from the plane. He graduated Airborne school on Nov. 5, 2003. It had been his dream to be a part of the 82nd Airborne Unit. His mom, Pat, and sister, Heather, were there to pin his wings on him. He came home for three weeks and participated in the Crestview Veterans Day program where he presented certificates to several residents.
He loved playing video games and was very good with computers. He would watch movies for hours and laugh at the silliest things. He was very much a kid at heart. His all time favorite movies are the Star Wars series. He has boxes of Star Wars memorabilia. He also enjoyed Lord of the Rings. He liked the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Denver Broncos. Before he left for Iraq, he attended a hockey game in North Carolina. He enjoyed it because he said there were only four in the crowd with Avalanche jerseys on.
He loved life and laughed constantly, and when he laughed it was contagious. He was proud of his chosen career and his flag. He wanted to go to Iraq to serve as he felt it was his duty. He was deployed to Iraq on January 17, 2004. He was in Turkey for two days and was killed 8 days later on January 27. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal with 3 leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Expert Badge M-16 Rifle, Expert Badge Hand Grenade, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge and posthumously received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Special speakers at the service included: CPT Norberto Menendez, Commander A/3-319; LTC Dennis D. Tewksbury, Commander 3/319 Airborne Field Artillery Regiment and Brigadier General Richard J. Rowe, Assistant Division Commander for Operations.
Also attending services were ISG Dung H. Kim, in charge of funeral detail; ISG Wilburn E. Myatt; 15 pallbearers, SGT Christopher M. Hrubes; SGT Galbert C. Sinclair; SPC Nathaniel R. Mummert; PFCMatthew T. Rood; SPC Todd M. Sweppenhiser; SPC Michael S. Barnes; SPC Urbano A Velazco; PFC Daniel G. Dicker; PFC Ryan M. Evans; PFC Ricard M. Goller; PFC Santiago M. Reyes; PV1 Matthew M. Konopatski.
He is survived by his parents, Jim and Pat; sisters Stacy and Heather. Grandparents George and Charlotte Cummings of Gordon, and Jim and Mildred Mracek of Alliance. Uncles: Bart and Bobbi Bartels (Jason, Luci), Gering; Mike and Delila Bartels (Amanda, Jackie, Curt), Chadron; Ed and Vanessa Bartels (Danielle and David), Alliance; Mike Mracek (Sarah), Hemingford; Aunts: Sandy and Jim Heesacker (Jess, Angie), Hay Springs; Lynn and Jerry Weldon (Bill, Jenny, Faron, Jerry), Alliance; Jean Wood (Paul), Alliance; Delvine and Clay Reames, Perryton, TX; Karan Meyer, Faulkton, SD.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandpa, Jack Bartels; cousin, Kayle Bartels, aunt, Toni Mracek.
A memorial was established to the Lister-Sage Community Center in Hay Springs. Donations were accepted by Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE.
Arrangements were made through Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron with funeral services held at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, Feb 4 at the Armstrong Gym at Chadron State College with Reverend Rod Smith and Chaplain (CPT) Matthew Madison officiating.
Burial was held in the Gordon Cemetery with Full Military Services provided by the 3rd Battalion 319 Airborne Field Artillery Regiment.
It's already been 10 years since I first wrote this to you: "We never met. Yet I feel close and connected to you spirit. And I deeply believe your spirit sings, soars and gives solace to those that dearly miss your physical presence. I promised your mom that even though I never met you I will never forget you. Your service and ultimate sacrifice is honored and deeply valued." Jim Meier
Those words stand true today. 10 years ago is when I met your mom and through her I've learned more and more about you; your dedication to service, your reliability, your core goodness and more. I salute you young friend. Jim
Airborne, All the Way
SFC Timothy Dingey
U.S Army Retired
We weren't hang out, or exchange emails type of friends. We weren't even really friends. But you were the nicest guy, and fun to be around, and you've made a lasting impression, as you still come to mind damn near 20 years later, and more frequently than you think.
You crossed paths with my father during your time in the Guard. He always spoke highly of you, and seemed very proud of your military accomplishments. You fit his definition of a good soldier. And he didn't speak very highly of very many people.
You've made some lasting impressions, and you are missed.
I will see you again in a little while. You are my Hero.
1. Along with many others, I'll do my best to honor and remember you and your many warriors in uniform who gave their life for our country.
2. The quest for peace on earth remain the dream of billions of people yet one too often shattered in reality but I believe reachable.
3. Any wisdom you can pass down on # 2 is welcome, especailly since you no doubt see things better than we on earth.
Your forever friend.
Jim Meier
Cory until we meet again you will be remembered with love.
10 years ago today your heart stopped beating on this earth. But your bigger heart that guided your sprit and soul has never stopped beating. I'm sure you see and know that from where you view this world on a the higher perch. As you can see, good still battles evil deeds across lands and countries. You enlisted to help good prevail and so doing gave your life. Until we meet in a way I can truly understand that commitment in you, I will do my best to honor and remember you and all who also have fallen...and their families.
As you know, I've still not met your dad. Hope to one of these days. Of course, the tireless dedication your mom gives to others in God's and your name is a great acting voice more and more Nebraskan hear.
Forever,
Jim Meier
Although I never met you on this Earth, I am anxious to meet you in Heaven. I want to tell you thanks and give you a huge hug. I know you are with God and we are told there is no sadness in Heaven, I guess the sadness is left for us on Earth. Love, June & Jim Moore
You left this earth 9 years ago today. Certainly I can't explain all of that. Of you, such a young man, fighting for the freedom of others so they can live a fuller life, was taken far too early. I beieve your spirit and soul now soars freely and even wiser to guide us here to do our best. We never met, Cory, but someday we will. Jim
You are thought of this 21st day of July as you are thought of often. I see your picture daily amongst all fallen Nebraskan's in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
We'll meet someday.
Jim Meier
I live by the Elkhorn River. When I saw a majestic bald eagle fly up river today I imagined you and all your fallen comrades atop these eagle's wings. Thanks for the sign and helping me remember.
Jim
I'd light a million candles everyday to see your smile again and can only wish it were so easy. Thank you for all that you gave. You will always be my hero-man.
We never met. Yet I feel close and connected to you spirit. And I deeply believe your sprit sings, soars and gives solace to those that dearly miss your physical presence. I promised your mom that even though I never met you I will never forget you. Your service and ultimate sacrifice is honored and deeply valued. Jim Meier
Leave a Tribute
It's already been 10 years since I first wrote this to you: "We never met. Yet I feel close and connected to you spirit. And I deeply believe your spirit sings, soars and gives solace to those that dearly miss your physical presence. I promised your mom that even though I never met you I will never forget you. Your service and ultimate sacrifice is honored and deeply valued." Jim Meier
Those words stand true today. 10 years ago is when I met your mom and through her I've learned more and more about you; your dedication to service, your reliability, your core goodness and more. I salute you young friend. Jim
Luci and I, shopping for Gabriel's birthday gift, found the R2-D2 Operation game we were searching for. I laughed and put 2 of them in the cart. Luci asked if I was getting the 2nd one for Jason. I told her no, that he had sent one to Cianan and he could just share with him and Gabe. This one is for Cory, won't he get a kick out of it? All those funny droid noises? She put her arm around me and said Mom? wow, it still hits hard.
Eight years it has been since we saw you off on your journey Cory, but truth is, we have never said goodbye. There is a little pocket sewn into our hearts to carry you with us.
Love you still