Miss you alot John
It was a great time out at the lake,  all them pirate fights and hanging out coving at the reservoirs  and playing corn hole.  You are surely missed but NEVER forgotten. 
RIP CSM Podhirny

John and family, I have known John since August of 1989 when I came into the National Guard. We became good friends and work partners while working at MATES #64. We were unstoppable as a team and we worked together for many years. Mine and John's kids were the same age and we often went to our cabin and hunted turkeys, deer or just beer! You will be truley missed by all John, you left us way too soon but at least I know you will be there waiting on my ass and hand me a cold Coors light! Until we meet again my friend I love you and never forget to say how much I miss you when I pass the spot on Hwy 115. Brad, Becky and Family.

Pod was such a great man with a heart of gold no matter who you were he always made you feel welcome. He will be greatly missed our prayers and condolences  to the family. 

I will never forget my first and only trip in the lake off the top of the house boat . Good memories forever rest on CSM/ Brother in law

R.I.P WE WILL NEVER FOR GET YOU LOVE YOU JEN WE ARE HERE IF YOU NEED ANYTHING 

The thing I remeber the most about Pod was the Morale Day BBQs. There was sun, water, boats  beer and fun. He was always the instigater of some of our worst shenanigans. The life of the party and laughter.
Rest in Peace Pod, you will be greatly missed.

Has been a while Pod..but good folks are never forgotten. God help the family...not easy to lose one you love.  Been there.....many times.
See ya down the road bud....

We have lost a great Man, husband, father, brother, son, leader, and friend.  To honor him, let his genuine love, caring and infectious joy caring on in us all.  May his love, Jennifer, and his family find peace and comfort in the coming days knowing the tremendous support of all those that have been touched by John’s generous love and friendship.  John will be here always in each of us.  

Podhirny was a brother to me. I know he’s having a Coors Light with my Mom (Stella) He will always be part of our family. He will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers and Condolences  to his family and friends. Such a tragic loss for everyone that ever crossed paths with Podhirny. My heart goes out to Jen. May you find strength, love and peace in your memories of John.  RIP Podhirny 

In 1971 when I joined the United States Army my brother John was only six years old. In 1983 when I relocated from Chicago to Colorado Springs John was 18 years old, and that’s when he and I began to build a relationship that would mature into a deep love and respect for my brother who also became my best friend. Although my brother isn’t where I’d like him to be, he is where God needs him to be, and I take comfort in knowing that. My prayers are with Jennifer, and my niece and nephews as they mourn the loss of a husband and father. 

I love you brother, and I miss you very much. May God bless your family and comfort them as they cope with your passing.


I remember my first drill weekend at the 3-157, I was a new soldier and didn't know anyone and was not sure how I would fit in. I was staying at the armory for the night and was invited to meet some of the senior enlisted and command staff, I was made to feel welcome and met some great people that night who have been great friends and colleagues. 1SG Pod and later CSM Pod built an organization or trust and respect and made people feel like they mattered even when they were new and didn't know anyone. 
He will be missed. 

CSM Pod was a truly remarkable leader and cared all the way down to the lowest level solder. My favorite memory was the weekend of the 2015 Best Warrior Comptetion. I was there representing 147th BSB, but I was really competing with myself. I knew I didn’t stand a chance in the competition, but CSM Pod and the rest of my leadership saw my heart. He stood by and encouraged me all weekend, even when I didn’t do as well as I wanted. I wasn’t going to give up, and he wasn’t going to let me anyway. When I was the last one finishing the ruck march, he met me and walked with me to the finish line. That image and feeling has stuck with me, as a vision of what true leadership looks like. Thank you CSM Pod. I will never forget. Praying comfort for the family in this loss and Jen’s recovery. 

CSM Podhirny was an excellent leader. For the last few  months he was carrying around his approved retired results on a yellow piece of paper, telling everybody he had his golden ticket. The last 2 drills he was giving everybody hugs telling them it was his last drill, but would come to our exeval in September in his shorts and sandals to support us all. He had my back and many others when we loss Drew last year and really cared about his troops. Jennifer, all of our hearts go out to you at the BSB and to the entire family. 

such a tragic time - sending lots of love to our grandaughter jenn in this trying time - john was a great husband and i know you are going to be lost without him but you will get through this sweetheart - love you so much


so sad - may the lord bless his sweet wife and family as they have to say their final goodby to their loved one - he will always be in everybodys heart and the good times will always be remembered


I met John and Jen at the North Shore Marina about 8 years ago. What a great couple.  What I loved about John was he was always there to help you no matter what, he would give his shirt off his back if needed. We had a Yacht kiddy corner from his house boat at the docks and we ended up having to sell our boat. He told us "anytime you want to come down to the docks to stay the night you can stay on our boat even if we aren't there."  We had lots of great get togethers on top of their boat with music, dancing etc.. I loved coving on the weekends, John was always there wanting to get the spot out in the reservoir for everyone and getting the ropes strung out to anchor the boats and be ready for all the rest of the boats to come in. The Hog roasts he would do every year were really awesome. It seems like every time I seen him he was always smiling and some of the times with a Coors Light in his hand. John was a great Soldier, You will be missed my fellow comrade. RIP John Podhirny.  See you on the other side

OBITUARY

John Martin Podhirny

October 10, 1964 – August 17, 2018

Swan-Law Funeral Directors

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