Memorial Day 2015

Richard was recognized today along with nine other Collier County residents who died in service to their country.

In a news release written by his family after his death, Burress was described as easygoing with a natural warmth.

“When asked by friends why he decided to join the Army, Richard said it was to add focus and direction to his life and to serve his country,” his family said. “Richard was a reluctant hero. He didn’t want to be recognized for his service and was deeply touched by the many thanks he received from strangers.”

We love Richard and miss him so much!!

News Article

2013 - we've had five memorial days this year since Richard left us.  We miss Richard dearly and at the same time are thankful to Richard for being willing to put himself in harms way for our freedom.

Aunt Andrea, Tina, and Anita with cousin Isabella took roses to the grave.  

We will always know that Richard's job as a protector is never done as we imagine him guarding the gates to Heaven.

It's been five years!!

Five years ago our lives changed - not so much full of grief anymore but full of love, comfort, and peace.  

Our son is forever gone and somehow working through our loss we developed a heart-felt love for people that we never had before.  We have comfort knowing that we'll see him again in Heaven.  We have continued peace from God through his Holy Spirit that Richard is also experience love, comfort, and peace.  Our dreams show him  laughing and very much alive as he hangs out with God.

Here is part of a poem I wrote five years ago:

A parent's worst nightmare, a knock on the door
We knew in an instant our lives would change forever more
Hearts start to pound, hearts start to cry
They offer condolences with tears in their eyes.

God Bless...

Azimuth Technology's Tribute

Azimuth Technology held a wonderful ceremony on October 6, 2012 to honor nine fallen heroes with ties to Collier County.  We were proud to have Richard included in this ceremony.  Thank you Azimuth!!!

This link will take you to the Naples Daily News article:   Azimuth Technology's Tribute October 6, 2012

Memorial Day 2012

This Memorial Day we think of Richard and think about his life lived and unlived.  What was and what could have been.  The love for a child who is waiting in Heaven to welcome us home.  Happy Memorial Day Richard - thank you for your sacrafice!!

Has it really been three years?

It's hard to believe it's been three years since Richard died. We went to his grave on the anniversary of his death and again on his birthday (29th!!). We put the same type of flowers out on his birthday that his brother, Raymond, will have at his wedding on April 9th. Richard would be so proud of his brother.

Let us remember before God, and commend to His sure keeping those who have died for their country in war, those who we knew, and whose memory we treasure; and all who have lived and died in the Service of mankind.

Memorial Day 2010

I received this email today from a wonderful person I worked with in Jacksonville. He cried with me over the death of Richard and told me about his son, Joseph's, desire to join the military. I was reminded today of the great honor Richard did for us in joining the Army in a time of war not knowing if he would return home wounded or if he would even return home at all; but bravely going to Iraq to fight for our country. As I read this email with tears streaming down my face I was reminded of what a great country we live in and I thanked God and said a prayer for all those who are currently fighting for us. When I think about loosing Richard I can't help but think about all those other families who have also lost loved ones. I try not to be selfish in my sorrow, but it's hard having lost such a good person who had such hopes for a good future.

"Dear Tina, Joseph, our firstborn, has been in Kandahar now for about a month. Since he has been deployed there I find myself having to block out the thoughts of losing him, therefore I do not to imagine what you and your family have gone through in the loss of Richard. I have always held those who serve our country in high regard. Please accept my sincere “Thank You” for the ultimate sacrifice made by Richard for our country. We are not worthy of such fine young Americans.
Happy Memorial Day!
Mike Jarriel"