Retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Howard “Jack” Warren Czerwinski, 90, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away on December 27, 2024. Jack was born February 7, 1934, in North Adams, Massachusetts, and was a member of Drury High School’s class of 1952. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margo; his mother, Marjorie; and his dad, Red.
While visiting his uncle in Germany, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in Wiesbaden, Germany, on January 15, 1953, and was sent to England for basic training with the RAF at Sealand RAF Station, England. He was the last flight to take basic training overseas. After training, he was assigned to Rhein Main AB, Germany where he met his wife to be, Margo Kraus of Wernborn, Germany. They were married in the Catholic cathedral in Frankfurt on July 6, 1955.
Many assignments followed including Dreux AB, France, near Paris; Washington, DC; Westover, Massachusetts; Andersen AFB, Guam; Tachikawa, (Tokyo) Japan; Mountain Home, Idaho; Bitburg, Germany; Perrin AFB, Texas; Osan AB, Korea; Altus, Oklahoma; and Saigon, Vietnam. Although promoted to Chief Master Sergeant while stationed in Vietnam, he opted for retirement from the Air Force in 1973, as a Senior Master Sergeant with 21 years of military service. He was awarded numerous awards and decorations, the most notable being the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service, earned while serving in Vietnam in 1972 – 1973. Other medals included: Army of Occupation Medal; German Meritorious Service Medal; Commendation Medal w/2 clusters; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award w/1 cluster; National Defense Service Medal w/1 cluster; Korean Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and Vietnam Service Medal. Jack also achieved his college GED in December 1968.
Upon retirement in Colorado Springs, Jack began a second career in automobile sales, working for Daniels Chevrolet in 1973 and then at Williams Chevrolet in 1977 for a total of eight years before starting a career in civil service. Jack served in several positions, advancing to the position of Chief of The Logistics Support Division (GM 13) at Peterson AFB where he won Civilian of the year. As deployment chief for 8 states, Jack also received a commendation letter from the commanding general at Fort Carson for his dedicated support of US Army troops deploying to and returning from the middle east.
Jack was an avid RV enthusiast and was a member of the Silver Foxes RV club. He also was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Retired Enlisted Association. Jack loved to fish and went at every opportunity. A friend to many, he never met a stranger. To his family, he left behind a legacy built on integrity, loyalty, and love.
He is survived by his sweetheart, Freda Spurlock; daughters, Barbabra Campbell and Christine Clark; son-in-law, Don Clark; grandchildren: Rebecca Hummel, Jennifer Browne, and Cameron Clar; great-granddaughters: Reece Guiliano, Kylie, and Breckynne Hummel; great-grandsons: Patrick Browne, Grayson and Jace Guiliano; and niece, Ellen Gaal.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00AM, on Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910, with full military honors. Interment will be at the Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80925.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Care and Share and the Springs Rescue Mission.
Judy Wilson
3 Jan 2025Jack and Freda were long time neighbors and friends. Jack was one of those people that would go out of his way to help anyone. He will be missed. Remember him well.
Steve Young
4 Jan 2025The Buckley SFB military Retiree Activities Office (RAO) would like to offer our sincere condolences and our gratitude for SMSgt Czerwinski’s 21 years of distinguished service to our country in the Air Force. If you would like help with any matters related to casualty assistance, Defense Finance & Accounting Service, Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP), Veterans Affairs (VA), etc. you can contact our office on Buckley SFB at 720-847-6693 or raobuckley@gmail.com. The RAO is staffed by volunteers, all military retirees themselves, and our sole purpose is to provide assistance to any military retirees and surviving spouses/family members with anything related to their military service and/or benefits, in particular during difficult times such as this. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Steve Young
Lt Col, USAF, Ret
Director, Buckley SFB RAO
Kelly MacKeen
5 Jan 2025I am so very sorry for your loss. Jack was a very sweet man, I am so grateful for the companionship he gave my dear friend Freda, they had so many adventures together.
The two of them made a great team showing all that age means nothing, being young at heart
And living a full life together. What an example they have set for their loved ones!
May God Bless and bring each of you peace.
Rick Hoover
5 Jan 2025A home is more than a house, a neighborhood is more than a street, and a neighbor is more than a person. A neighbor is a friend who is there to help, enjoys giving more than receiving, and makes a neighborhood an extension of your home.
A neighbor was Jack. Thank you, Jack, for serving our Republic and being a wonderful friend.
Joseph M Bale
5 Jan 2025I remember Jack as a gentle soul who always had a smile on his face. He always had a pleasant greeting when I passed him on the street when walking my many dogs that, like him, have moved into the Lord’s realm. A good man and wonderful neighbor who will be missed.
Jim Kelly
6 Jan 2025Never been a better friend and neighbor. Dedicated member of our ROMEO group. Fellow brother in arms, we will miss you
Harold Wintcher
8 Jan 2025I knew Ski for many years as a fellow logistician in the CISF at Peterson SFB. He was a swell guy to work with and I enjoyed his Christmas letters. My condolences to Freda. May his soul rest in peace.
Harold Wintcher
8 Jan 2025May you rest in peace Ski. Always enjoyed working with you at STA and the CISF as well as your great Christmas letters. Freda, my condolences to you. Ski was a great person and will be missed.