James C. Akin

June 3, 2007

Sgt. James C. Akin, of Albuquerque, New Mexico graduated from Valley High School in 2001 and joined the Army in 2004. He had been in Iraq since last summer and was scheduled to return home on leave later this month. He was a self-professed politics and sports junkie. He worked on Victor Raigoza’s campaign when he sought the Democratic nomination for then state Sen. Ramsay Gorham’s seat in 2004. James had a goal and a desire to one day serve as president of the United States. He would even introduce himself and he would tell you, ‘One day I’m going to be president of the United States.”‘ He had a big personality that was hard to forget, walking into a crowded room and instantly creating an almost celebrity attraction. Akin had been a volunteer for the state Democratic Party in 2000, working at various times on the campaigns of John Kelly, Gary King, Patricia Madrid, Diane Denish and Gov. Bill Richardson. For his service, Akin has received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal. He was 23.

James C. Akin had dreams of one day making the Oval Office his own. “When you met James Akin he would say, ”Hi, My name is James, I’m going to one day be president of the United States,”” said Victor Raigoza, a friend. “This is an individual that is so gregarious and so charming, and intelligent, that indeed one day he may have been president of the United States.” Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, NM, was killed June 3 by an explosive in Thania. He was a 2001 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Lewis. Raigoza said Akin’s character is showcased in a letter he wrote: “Live life to serve, because you can. Dissent, because you can. Enjoy freedom, because you can.” He loved listening to Kenny Chesney, Aerosmith, Audioslave, Eminem and 50 Cent. He thought “Forrest Gump” was the greatest movie of all time and liked anything with Tom Hanks or Julia Roberts in it. “I think the people of New Mexico and the people of the United States have lost a great potential leader,” Raigoza said. “He was willing to put his actions where his mouth was.” He is survived by his wife, Syreeta.