US Army ยท August 28, 2007
James S Collins Jr of Rochester Hills, Mich. is remembered in the Liberty Unites archive.
A LIFE REMEMBERED
Army Sgt. James S. Collins Jr. died Aug. 28 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds sustained during combat operations.
PRAYERS & CONDOLENCES
All 5 messages preserved from the historic Liberty Unites archive are printed in this static page.
I was there in Kirkuk the day Sgt. Collins was killed. I did not know him, nor do I think I ever had the honor of meeting him. I was in the Air Force Security Forces unit and responded to a mass casualty Emeds alert. Sgt. Collins had passed by the time his body was delivered to Emeds. He was placed off to the side as other casualties were evaluated. During this time I took charge of keeping the growing crowd of blood donors and well wishers fed and hydrated. They were in the hundreds. I had a few Army and Air Force personnel offer to help me and these kids did a fantastic job caring for all those who came to Emeds that day. However, there is one thing I wish I had done and it troubles me to this day. I wish I had placed a guard on Sgt. Collin's body. He was in no danger of being dishonored or mistreated, I just felt I should have done that out of respect and just so he wouldnt be there all alone as though he was forgotten. After much searching I was able to match the date of the incident and his name. I was even able to read details of his life. We were both prior service Marines, both in our later 30s and both had married a wife named Amy. As I stated, I did not know Sgt. Collins , but I do think of him often and the outpouring of supprt shown that day by both branches. I hope this in some way helps to comfort you. Tsgt Eddie McLean, USMCR/USAFR. Carrollton, OH
Legacy Liberty Unites visitor
Your sacrifice will remain in our hearts for a lifetime,
with intense gratitude. May God bless you and your family.
Rest Safely and Securely in God's Loving Arms.
Legacy Liberty Unites visitor
My condolences to the family of Sgt. James S. Collins, Jr. I am honored to have had him as a true friend. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I salute you, Jim! Shawn Dawson
Legacy Liberty Unites visitor
Words do not describe my feelings when I heard the news. Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrafice for our freedom. Jim was a one of a kind person and I had the privledge of calling him my friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Collins family.
Greg Drury
Legacy Liberty Unites visitor
My heart is heavy as I heard the news. My best friend is in the same platoon as James and am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you all our in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and be with you in this difficult time.
Legacy Liberty Unites visitor