Sgt. Jesse M. Lhotka

Sgt. Jesse M. Lhotka - 24 years old from Alexandria, MN. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 151st Field Artillery, 34th Infantry Division of the Minnesota National Guard based out of Montevideo, MN. Jesse was killed February 21, 2005 in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as he was assisting injured soldiers in his unit. Also killed were 1st Lt. Jason G. Timmerman and Staff Sgt. David F. Day. "He absolutely loved people. And everyone around him loved him." Spoke Rev. Vickie Haverhamp during her eulogy. A crowd of 800 turned out to pay their respects to Sgt. Jesse Lhotka, but the numbers were to large for Zion Luthern Church, so over 200 had to watch on a screen at the former Appleton High School. He was remembered for his love of others and for the bravery he had shown while aiding his injured comrades. In appleton, they have a long standing tradition of honoring their fallen by naming streets after them. Jesse was credited with saving the life of a fellow soldier from nearby Benson whose Humvee had flipped, and had just helped evacuate another soldier, when he was killed along with Staff Sgt. Day - 25 of St. Louis Park who grew up in Morris, and 1st Lt. Timmerman - 24 of Tracy. The pastor read letters from Lhotka's mother, Beverly, his sister Sonja, and his wife, Stacey Lhotka to the mourners. "Jesse, you are the best thing that ever happened to me." Stacey wrote. The Lhotkas got married in September of 2004, just before he shipped out. His sister Sonja talked about a brother she remembered for "a comforting smile that could warm the freezing rain" and "big brown eyes (that could) take away the pain." His mother, Beverly - thanked him for all of his love and respect, and for bringing Stacey into the family. "I still have six children, and now one angel." She wrote. More than 100 uniformed troops with the 151st Field Artillery joined in offering a military salute to Lhotka and his survivors. Two AH64 Blackhawk helicopters flew low over the church as the mourners gathered around his casket after the service. Along with Gov. Tim Pawlenty and local legislators in paying their respects, was Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard, and Brig. Gen. Jon Trost and Appleton native. The community will add Sgt. Lhotka's name to the list of 35 war heroes remembered on a monument dedicated just last year. Appleton is also expected to name a street in his memory, continuing a tradition the community has followed since World War II. Geneva Hayed, an Appleton resident since 1937 who welcomed veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam, was part of the town's "Home Town Calling" group that supported the veterans and their families. Hayed said the town has experienced sadness like this before, but this time is different. Lhotka had been a part of the community until just such a short while ago, and everyone had thought so much of him, she explained. "That is what the town is sad about" She said. Funds are being collected for a memorial fund at the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Appleton. The proceeds will be used to assist Lhotka's siblings with their educations.

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Staff Sgt. Clamens	Staff Sgt. Duran	Spc. Green	Pvt. Guerrera
Spc. Ceo, Sgt. Conner, Spc. Boswell	Lance Cpl. Smith	Cpl. Lapinski	Spc. Ravago
2nd Lt. Leduc	Sgt. Lhotka	Lance Cpl. Schroeder	Cpl. Mason
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