Fallen Soldiers and Heroes

James died while driving a Humvee in Iraq. He was the driver in this mission. His vehicle hit and IED and this is how he and three others passed. He was born here in Albuquerque, NM to James Akin and Marianne Antonucci. He was 23 years old when he died. His birthday was June 28, 1983. He was supposed to be coming home on leave at the end of June. He is survived by his wife Syreeta Akin, her family Jerry Martinez(dad), Gayle Haugk(mom), and Glenn Haugk(step-dad) and his father James Akin among other family members. He loved his country and to serve his country. James was a very special person. Everyone he talked to has all been touched in some huge way by him. His loyalty, his compassion for others, and the fact that this man was a rock in rough times made him unique to most. I can almost hear him telling us to go on, trying to motivate us to do better, to be better. He wouldn't want us to be sad, but let me tell you it's hard not to be. He was one of the most high speed soldiers out there, he always did everything with the most effort you could put forth. He never did anything in a small way. He was one of those people that always had something positive to say. Rarely ever a bad word came out of his mouth about other people. He was highly into politics and actually had ambitions of some day becoming the President of the United States. Anyone who knew him had no doubt that some day he'd be there and making a difference. He loved Syreeta, his wife dearly. He was always telling me how amazing and beautiful he thought his wife was. Always told me to keep out of trouble when we were hanging out together too... lol, he knew us too well. I remember Nate telling me how they would joke around about me and Syreeta going on tons of vacations and how it must be nice, lol. We all miss James dearly but we also know that he is now in heaven with his mom. We were also very happy that he was close to God and his word at the time of his passing. "Tough times never last. Tough people do." -Robert Schuller