John James Kalina

John James Kalina, Jr., 26, of Flatonia, died April 7, 2016 in San Antonio due to an auto accident. John Jr. was born on Oct. 26, 1989 in Killeen, the son of John J. Kalina Sr., and Aurora (Alvarado) Kalina. He graduated from Flatonia High School in 2008. After graduation he entered the United States Army and deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, and the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for service in relation to International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Upon completion of military service, he pursued a degree in Aviation Management, Professional Pilot Program at Palo Alto Community College in San Antonio, where he was able to accomplish his dream of becoming a licensed helicopter pilot. John Jr. was affiliated with the Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Owners Pilots Association, and Palo Alto Community College. John Jr. was active in the San Antonio community, recruiting future students for the aviation field and held the title of Treasurer of Wings Program at Palo Alto Community College. He is survived by his parents: John J. Kalina Sr. and Aurora (Alvarado) Kalina; sister, Katherine Kalina of La Grange; brother, Kurtis Kalina of La- Grange; grandparents, Jerome and Doris Kalina, Jerry and Andrea Alvarado of Flatonia; great-grandmother, Rose Buell Andrews of Houston; two nephews, Kalub Kalina and Korey Kalina; and one niece, Emma Dunham. Visitation was held at 12 noon on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel-Flatonia. The Rosary was recited at 9:30 a.m. April 15, 2016 followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha with Father Gabriel Maison officiating. Full Military Honors and burial was under the direction of the Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard. Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralhomeflatonia.com. Smith Funeral Home in Flatonia was in charge of arrangements.