Jopek Family Asked Obama to Stop Wearing Bracelet

Pagan Power ^ | September 28, 2008 | Pagan Power

[Pagan Power]

We all saw Barack Obama stumbling to remember the name of the fallen soldier on the bracelet he wore during the first Presidential debate. It seems there may actually be a reason that Obama forgot the name. The family of Sergeant Ryan David Jopek has repeatedly asked Obama to stop wearing the bracelet because he is using it for political purposes. Crafting the death of their son into a campaign slogan. "I have a bracelet too."

Family Told Obama NOT To Wear Soldier Son's Bracelet... Where is Media?

Jopek began by saying that his ex-wife was taken aback, even upset, that Obama has made the death of her son a campaign issue. Jopek says his wife gave Obama the bracelet because "she just wanted Mr. Obama to know Ryan's name." Jopek went on to say that "she wasn't looking to turn it into a big media event" and "just wanted it to be something between Barack Obama and herself." Apparently, they were all shocked it became such a big deal.

And guess what? The Mr. Jopek, Seargent Jopek's father, doesn't even support Barack Obama's position on Iraq.

Radio host Glenn Moberg of the show "Route 51" asked Mr. Jopek, a man who believes in the efforts in Iraq and is not in favor of Obama's positions on the war, what he and his ex-wife think of Obama continually using their son's name on the campaign trail.

Mrs. Jopek is even more adamant. She has repeatedly asked Obama to stop using her son's death as a campaign ploy.

Jopek: She has turned down any subsequent interviews with the media because she just didn't want it to get turned into something that it wasn't. She had told me in an email that she had asked, actually asked Mr. Obama to not wear the bracelet any more at any of his public appearances. Which I don't think he's...

But Barack isn't listening. Hell, he couldn't even remember the name on the bracelet. But it looks good and makes him appear to be sympathetic to the sacrifices of the fallen. Pathetic is probably a more appropriate word. Read the rest of this entry>>

[itsthejourney]

It was just last week some article had her saying she gave it to him because McCain was sporting one. While I’m terribly sorry for their loss, I can’t say I’m sorry in how its being used due to the manner in which it was given to him. Karma, ya know.

[graywaiter]

Give me a break! If this woman gave the ONE the bracelet, she knew he would use it. This is just another stunt. You can’t cure stoopid!!

[Brown Deer]

Mrs Jopek is an Obama supporter.

That is so sad and disrespectful of her son that gave his life for this country.

[Gator113]

Priceless.

What a despicable lowlife scum. Obama never misses a chance to disrespect our Troops, even when they’re dead.

[Kevmo]

Jopek family just realized that Obama considers them to be the Joke family.

[Brown Deer]

Funeral services will be held Monday in Merrill for Ryan David Jopek, a sergeant with the Antigo and Merrill-based National Guard unit who was killed while serving in Iraq.

Sgt. Jopek, 20, died Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006 from a roadside bomb in Tikrit, Iraq. He was a member of Troop E 105th Cavalry, based in Antigo and Merrill. The unit was mobilized to Iraq on June 6, 2005 as part of the Appleton-based 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry and is scheduled to return home later this month.


Born June 1, 1986 in Alliance, Neb. he was a son of Tracy (Smith) Jopek of Merrill and Brian Jopek of Antigo. He graduated from Merrill High School in 2004.

Sgt. Jopek followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in August, 2003 as a scout assigned to Troop E, 105th Calvary. In Iraq, the unit was responsible for providing convoy security.

Sgt. Jopek was the recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation medals. Additional medals include Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Iraqi Campaign, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service, and the Armed Forces Reserve with "M" Device. He also received the Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant posthumously.

He enjoyed playing basketball, soccer, golf and football. He was also interested in music, monster trucks, airplanes, and his 1966 Chevrolet half-ton pick-up truck, which he planned to restore.

Sgt. Jopek was an avid Chicago Bears fan and his family said he modeled his life after his childhood hero, the legendary Bear running back Walter Payton. He loved all of his many friends and family.

In addition to his parents, survivors include a sister, Jessica Jopek of Merrill; a brother, Steven Jopek, Merrill; maternal grandparents, Donald and Carrie Smith of Bayard, Neb.; his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Peg Jopek of Antigo; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at the Merrill High School Field House. Rev. Robert Smallman and Rev. Charles Hoffmann will officiate.

Burial will be in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the Merrill National Guard Armory.

source: Antigo Daily Journal, Aug. 9, 2006