Richard Burress: Our Reluctant Hero

Friday, December 26, 2008

Our Reluctant Hero

Richard was a U.S. Army soldier and died when the Navistar MaxxPro MRAP vehicle ran over an ANFO IED estimated at 600lbs. He was unfortunately the exposed gunner. The three other crew members were Army Cpl. Taylor Harter who sustain a shattered left foot, broken nose, and broken teeth. The driver, Pfc. Timothy Pandar sustained a fractured foot. The rear passenger, medic Pfc. Andrew Van Meter was unhurt. All were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, based in Fort Stewart.

He was not just a soldier - he was a husband, father, son, brother, nephew, grandchild, cousin, best friend, and our Reluctant Hero. We will miss him!!!

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THANK YOU!

Thank you for your support and prayers, without them we would have had a much more difficult time enduring our loss.

Richard was well loved by his family and friends and we will miss him very much! He would not want us to grieve deeply - just enough to cleanse our hearts and give us peace. We lift up in prayer the families of those soldiers who have gone before Richard and those who will continue to give their ultimate sacrifice. May their loved ones who have gone before them embrace them with love and everlasting peace.

Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:1-16)