Charles Kitowski

Charles Kitowski was born in Gulfport, Mississippi but raised in Katy, Texas. He graduated from St.Thomas High School in 1994 and from The University of St. Thomas in Houston in 1998 with a degree in Management Information Systems. He then joined the Southwest Airlines family where he worked on the ramp in Houston before being transferred to Dallas as an Analyst in the Finance Department.

In January 2005, Charles entered the Army Reserve in Dallas at the rank of Specialist. The first and only unit to which he was assigned was the 345th POC, where he served as both an Automated Logistical Specialist and a Psychological Operations Specialist. In 2006, he was mobilized to Ft.Bragg, North Carolina. Shortly after that he deployed to Afghanistan.

On, August 12, 2007, Sergeant Charles Kitsowski, age 31, was killed by an IED in Eastern Afghanistan. He died doing what he felt duty-bound to do.

In recognition of his courageous service and immeasurable sacrifice, Sergeant Kitowski was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, a Meritorious Service Medal, a Combat Action Badge, a Global War on Terror Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

Charles was a hero to look up to and a man to be admired. He was kind, caring, thoughtful, and selfless. He had happiness and joy in his heart. Charles' ever present smile was worth a million words--contagious and unforgettable. He was so good about the little things in life: helping with Habitat for Humanity, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, and finding a way to adopt any animal he could find. His fun loving generous nature brought laughter and joy into the lives of his family and many friends.

The Mission Continues, in cooperation with Southwest Airlines, is honored to help carry on Sergeant Chalres Kitowski's life of service. Through our Fellows and service projects, The Mission Continues for Sergeant Kitowski.

Read about The Mission Continues Fellows Colin Archipley, and Troy Crawford, both Charles Kitowski Memorial Fellows.

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