Fort Lewis bids farewell to 3 Strykers
A somber farewell to three soldiers took place at Fort Lewis on Wednesday. The three soldiers, who are members of the 4th Stryker brigade, were killed by roadside bombs in Iraq.
Even though they were all honored at one ceremony, the tributes were individual.
Husband and father of two boys, Sgt. Christopher Kruse was one of the three remembered.
"And he will always be loved and remembered for the big brother he was and the great soldier he always is," Spec. Jose Gutierrez said. "We miss you and we love you, Chris."
Husband and father of one daughter, Sgt. Kenneth Booker was also honored.
"If more men would live their lives with the respect and integrity that Kenneth did, this world would be a better place. Kenneth, you will be missed," Staff Sgt. Jonathan Taylor said.
Spec. Andrew Johnson remembered Corporal Peter Schmidt, a devoted son.
"Pete was more than a good soldier. He was a great man and a good friend," Spec. Andrew Johnson said.
The three were killed by roadside bombs in Iraq in two separate incidents just a couple of days after everyone celebrated Veterans Day.
"Today is not Veterans day, every day is. So it's my turn to make one last call," said Maj. Chad Sundem.
The Strykers rear detachment commander struggles to go on.
"Thank you Christopher, Kenneth and Peter for you have given your most precious possession, your lives," Sundem said.
The 4th Stryker brigade has lost 33 of its soldiers in combat. Three more soldiers are to be honored next Wednesday. They are Corp. Jason Lee, Corp. Christopher Nelson and PFC Marius Ferrero.
Even though they were all honored at one ceremony, the tributes were individual.
Husband and father of two boys, Sgt. Christopher Kruse was one of the three remembered.
"And he will always be loved and remembered for the big brother he was and the great soldier he always is," Spec. Jose Gutierrez said. "We miss you and we love you, Chris."
Husband and father of one daughter, Sgt. Kenneth Booker was also honored.
"If more men would live their lives with the respect and integrity that Kenneth did, this world would be a better place. Kenneth, you will be missed," Staff Sgt. Jonathan Taylor said.
Spec. Andrew Johnson remembered Corporal Peter Schmidt, a devoted son.
"Pete was more than a good soldier. He was a great man and a good friend," Spec. Andrew Johnson said.
The three were killed by roadside bombs in Iraq in two separate incidents just a couple of days after everyone celebrated Veterans Day.
"Today is not Veterans day, every day is. So it's my turn to make one last call," said Maj. Chad Sundem.
The Strykers rear detachment commander struggles to go on.
"Thank you Christopher, Kenneth and Peter for you have given your most precious possession, your lives," Sundem said.
The 4th Stryker brigade has lost 33 of its soldiers in combat. Three more soldiers are to be honored next Wednesday. They are Corp. Jason Lee, Corp. Christopher Nelson and PFC Marius Ferrero.