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

Monday, January 19, 2009

I Can't Believe It's Already Been One Year!

It's been one year today, time goes so fast. It sure doesn't seem like it was a year ago today when those soldiers knocked on the door to let us know Richard had died. They were in our living room at the same time of the evening I'm writing this - what memories! I remember making the phone calls to let my family know, barely able to talk through my tears. Yes, it's been one year - a year filled with so many ceremonies and memorials to Richard's sacrifice. He has been mentioned on Nancy Grace and in People magazine. He has been in numerous newspapers. We have been so blessed by the support we have received, like when we found out about Third Day being on his transport plane from Iraq to Kuwait after he died. I'll never forget meeting the band in Orlando. The best blessing has been family - when something like this happens family becomes first. We have have grown closer to and had so much interaction with our family since Richard died - we're trying real hard to live by Richard's physiology of life - "Life is Short, Have Fun".

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)