Family Mourns Marine Killed In Afghanistan

WESTMINSTER, Md. (WJZ) -- A Westminster family is in mourning after a husband, father and son was killed in combat.

Jessica Kartalija has more.

Outside their Carroll County home, a flag flies in memory of Marine Staff Sergeant James Malachowski, killed Sunday by an improvised explosive device.

His family spoke in his honor Tuesday.

"I just have no words to express the pain we are feeling.  There really isn't any way," said Alison Malachowski, mother.

Based out of Camp Lejune, N.C., Staff Sergeant Malachowski was conducting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Malachowski grew up in Westminster.  His family says he was still in high school when he decided he wanted to join the Marines.

"He wanted to be remembered for what he did.  People looked up to him.  Everybody who worked with him looked up to him," said James Malachowski, father.

Malachowski received several medals for outstanding service in the global war on terrorism.  He served two tours in Iraq and was an instructor in marksmanship and martial arts.

"I have never felt this much pain in my entire life.  My son is gone.  My little boy is dead," Alison said.

He leaves behind a wife, two sons and a baby on the way.  He was 25.

Malachowski will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.