| James Waters |
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Lieutenant Colonel James K Waters was born in Lewistown, PA, and grew up in McAlisterville, PA. He graduated from East Juniata High School in Cocolamus, PA, and attended Bloomsbury University and Penn State. Jim wanted to serve his country and enlisted in the Army in Harrisburg, PA in 1965. During his enlisted service as an Infantryman, (November, 1965 to February, 1971), he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG) and served two combat tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded twice. He then attended Officers Candidate School at Ft Benning, GA, and, in February, 1971, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry Branch. In addition to his two tours in Vietnam, Jim served in Germany, Panama, and Saudi Arabia during his distinguished 29 year Army career. Jim's military education included Jungle Warfare School; Ranger School (Class 13-71); Airborne School; Infantry Officers Advanced Course; Command and General Staff College; and the Army War College. He also received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Methodist University and a Master of Arts Degree from Georgetown University. LTC Waters' military awards consisted of the Legion of Merit; three Bronze Stars; two Purple Hearts; three Meritorious Service Medals; Air Medal; Joint Service Commendation medal; three Army Commendation medals, and Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal 2nd Class. He also earned the Army Ranger Tab; Parachutist Badge; Combat Infantry Badge; Expert Infantry Badge; Republic of Vietnam Ranger Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge. Lieutenant Colonel James K Waters' last assignment was in support of the Saudi Arabian National Guard, Saudi Arabia. He retired on June 30, 1994, at Fort Myer, VA. He then continued to serve as a defense contractor, working as an instructor at the Army Force Management School at Fort Belvoir, VA. Jim was working at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, when the terrorist high jacked airliner crashed into the building. He also volunteered his time as a docent at George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. LTC Waters was active in many associations to include the Association of the United States Army; Military Officers Association of America; the Military Order of the Carabao, the 75th Ranger Regiment Association, the US Mountain Ranger Association, and most important was his monthly meetings with the DC Ranger/Special Forces Group. Jim was the type person that, if you asked him for his shirt, he would gladly give it to you, as well as, his coat. He was a giver and he loved Soldiers; he had many friends all over the world, and he communicated with them regularly. LTC James K Waters passed away on January 14, 2018, at his home after a short illness, with burial in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. Respectfully submitted by: |
