Andrew J. "AJ" Ciechomski

Capt. Andrew Jon “AJ” Ciechomski, USAF, died at home on November 13, 2019, after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. The St. Clairsville native graduated from The Linsly School in 2010 and the Air Force Academy in 2014. While at Linsly, AJ was on the Headmaster"s Performance List for every grading period while he attended. He was a Prefect both his Junior and Senior years, and was the Prefect Athletic Committee Chair. Athletically, he competed  on the soccer, swimming, basketball, baseball, and track teams while earning varsity letters for soccer and swimming. Also, he was co-captain of the swim team. He was a member of the National Honor Society, Foreign Language Honor Society, German Club, Key Club, Rachel's Challenge, J.E.T.S.,Technology Club, Shakespeare Club, Science Research Club,Outdoor Adventure Club, and the Forensics Team. At graduation, AJ was awarded  the Trustee Award, given to the Senior athletes who best represented Linsly athletic standards to the general public in terms of displayed ability, dedication, and leadership.In addition, he received the  Headmaster's Award, given to the member of the Senior Class who, in the opinion of the faculty and the headmaster, through his/her display of leadership, academic excellence, and willingness to serve, acted as a model for all Linsly students.

Outside of school, AJ participated in Boy Scouts, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He also enjoyed shooting, hunting, and playing video games with his friends.

While at the Air Force Academy, AJ trained as an EMT and served as Cadet Squadron 32's medic.He was in the top 10% of his class for physical fitness and received a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

AJ was a dedicated Christian who belonged to Thoburn United Methodist Church where he participated in various youth programs. At college, AJ was an enthusiastic member of CRU and went on a mission trip to Poland with that group. Wherever AJ was sent with his job in the Air Force, you could bet that on Sunday morning he would be exploring some local church.

Ciechomski was a member of the elite USAF Special Operations Forces. Most recently, he was assigned as a Special Tactics Officer to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron at Pope Airfield, NC. He was a military static-line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force combat scuba diver and specially trained in demolitions and airfield management.

As a STO, Ciechomski was uniquely skilled in commanding and controlling operations, integrating air and ground capabilities to achieve battlefield objectives. He led Special Tactics Teams in preparation for worldwide contingency operations both in hostile and austere environments, ranging from counterterrorism missions to global humanitarian assistance programs. 

During his time in service, Ciechomski was awarded an Air Force Commendation Medal. 

AJ is survived by his parents, Stacy and Terry Ciechomski of St. Clairsville, and his brother,Trent, also of St. Clairsville.

Visitation will be Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 at Thoburn United Methodist Church, 209 E. Main St., St. Clairsville 43950 from 2:00 to 4:00PM an 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Where services will be at 11:00 am Monday also at Thoburn UMC, with Rev. Tom Jones officiating, interment followed at Union Cemetery St. Clairsville. The family asks in lieu of flowers that donations be made to Fisher House Foundation, 12300 Twinbrook Pkwy, Suite 410, Rockville, MD 20852 or online at www.fisherhouse.org. To leave the family a condolence please visit www.wilsonfuneralhomes.com

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