Chattanooga National Cemetery

You were a great friend, Steve -- a brother in arms and in faith.  You will be missed, as will our hours long talks analyzing how jacked up this world is!   You had the heart of a warrior -- “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.  He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him!  The LORD is a warrior -- the LORD is his name!"  (Exodus 15:2-3) 

Caleb—You emulate your dad in so many ways and I see so much of him in you.  He was always proud of you and his desire was to pour into you spiritually.  He also shared his strong work ethic with you in physical tasks, values and fortitude… things that you have definitely taken a hold of as people compliment you all the time on what a responsible, hard-working young man you are.  Again, something your dad passed on to you!   You were the joy of his life and he would be so proud of you even today, just as I am!  I love you and am so incredibly grateful for the legacy that Dad has left behind in you, his son!!  

My dad always made time to spend with the family, no matter how tired he may have been from traveling, work, etc. He prioritized my mom and I no matter what. He always pointed us to the Bible, and without him and his guidance I would not have the relationship with Christ that I now have. I will miss him everyday, but his memory lives on in family, friends, and activities. I love you dad!

How appropriate that this legacy is composed on Memorial Day!  Veterans like this incredible Marine are the reason we have freedom today.  Although I knew Steve only a short time, I continued to marvel at his courage and unwavering devotion to his family.  No matter the task ahead or the obstacles in place, Steve was a fighter!  And he was SMART ENOUGH to have picked a lifelong helpmate that matched his commitment, devotion, and love.  So it came as no surprise to me that their son Caleb is a combination of all these traits, and more.  

After his diagnosis, it was as if the three of them became ONE.. and I knew this was the team that would beat the odds!!  On Memorial Day we remember those who gave their lives for their country… and in many respects, that’s what I believe happened here.  While in service, Steve was exposed to petroleum toxins and vaccines, etc etc.  the toll his service took on him can’t be measured.  But what CAN BE MEASURED is the way this TEAM would respond in every circumstance.  Every healing modality was investigated; research above and beyond ‘standard medical protocol’ was done, evaluated, and if there was hope in reversing outcomes it was tried!  And throughout the process, Jesus was praised and acknowledged as the Great Physician, IN CHARGE of our comings and our goings.  

So when Steve graduated WITH HONORS to the arms of our Heavenly Father… I felt tears of joy that he’d finally received his reward!!   My heart temporarily aches for Angie and Caleb, but I know TIME IS SHORT.  And when we’re in heaven our heartache and tears will be forgotten.

My own diagnosis came in much the same time as Steve’s.. and my greatest desire would be to hear what I’m convinced Steve has already heard:  

Well done, my good and faithful servant!!


Dear Brother Steve, 

Today is the day we honor our hero's and you are one of them! We think of you dearly as you sit with our Father in heaven, the place we all long to be.  We honor your service to the United State of America and to it's citizens to protect our God given right to freedom.  We also honor you today, as a loving husband and father to your family as you leave your legacy behind. We miss you today and everyday. Remembering how you love Golumpki. Jesus come quickly so we can see you again soon! 

Steve was a fighter for his country, for his family and for his faith. Yet, he always seemed like a gentle giant to me. His quiet, somewhat wicked, sense of humor, especially when it came to Angela, always made me chuckle. He was so good natured and I'm proud to have known him and I am thankful for his service in protecting our freedoms. I know he is experiencing the ultimate freedom right now, but he is still sorely missed. 

I will always be truly thankful to know Steve. We didn’t all grow up with a strong dad who also loved the Lord. I forever respect Steve as a loyal and loving husband to one of my best friends, and great father to one of my favorite young men around the age of my own children. Steve has left ripples of all kinds, even those not obvious. He shown us all what a real man looks like: a provider, Christian, and faithful family man. His life will be revered for eternity! 

Steve, thank you for your service to our country, and humble servitude to glorify God and keep family at the center next to God! 

Steve made the world around him a better place wherever he went.  He was a hard worker and loyal friend and dedicated father and husband.  We are thankful for his service and the privilege of his friendship.  He is greatly missed.  

Steve was a man of honor and strength!  He has left his fingerprints behind with an indelible mark of love, courage and loyalty that will never be forgotten.  As a wife and son, it is a daily battle to move forward.  Anytime we do, we leave the past with a piece of hearts left behind with it.  You will always be remembered and we love you always!

STEPHEN A BAGINSKI

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