Mike Basozki CSM (Ret.) Mike Basozki, born Jan. 5, 1929, passed away
Dec. 31, 2009. Mike was born in Jefferson Township, PA. Shortly
thereafter, the Basozki family moved to Windsor Heights, W. VA, where
Mike grew up. 3 days after Mike's 17th birthday, Mike enlisted in the
Regular U.S. Army on Jan. 8, 1946. Six years later, in 1952 at the age
of 23, Mike achieved the rank of M/SGT E-8; the youngest ever in the
history of the U.S. Army. During Mike's military career Mike had
stateside tours of duty (AR, AL, GA, ID, and WA State (3x)); with
overseas tours of duty in W. Germany (4x), South Korea ('62-'63), and S.
Vietnam ('68-'69). Mike retired at Ft. Lewis, WA as a Command Sergeant
Major E-9 on Sept. 1, 1974. Among Mike's numerous military awards are
the Bronze Star, 12 Air Medals, Combat Infantry Badge, RVN Service w/4
Battle Stars, and RVN Gallantry Cross w/Palm and w/SS. Subsequent to
Mike's military retirement, Mike earned a Business BA Degree from Ft.
Steilacoom Community College and accomplished a 2nd career as an
Accountant for Army Civil Service, and then retired for a second time in
1992. In 1948, while stationed in Augsburg, W. Germany, Mike met Rita
Blau, born in Riga, Latvia (deceased Dec. 7, 2008). They enjoyed 58
years of marriage. For the past few years, Mike was asked to be an
honorary participant in the activation and/or retiring of Colors for the
Fourth Stryker Brigade, Ft. Lewis, WA, during their deployment to Iraq.
He was very humbled and honored to be asked this. Mike is survived by
his son Steve Basozki (Giovanna), daughter Joyce Wennberg (Bud Mitze),
grandson Bryce Basozki, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was a
strong supporter of continuing education and immensely enjoyed fishing,
traveling, cruises, the NY Yankees, and Wash Huskies College Football.
Mike was a wonderful son, beloved brother, cherished husband, and adored
father. We will miss you and love you forever. The funeral service will
be held Jan 14, 2009 at 11 a.m., Lakeview Congregational Church, 4606
108th St. SW, Lakewood, followed by military honors and interment at
Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA, at 2:15 p.m. Arrangements by Edwards
Memorial 253-566-1008.