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Updated: 10:42 PM Apr 20, 2009
Family Remembers Their Fallen Soldier
PFC Richard Dewater gave his life in Afghanistan on April 15th. Now his family is honoring his sacrifice and his memory.
Posted: 10:17 PM Apr 20, 2009Reporter: Rae Chelle Davis Email Address: RaeChelle.Davis@wibw.com |
A member of a carry team stands by at Dover Air Force Base, Del., as two American Flag draped transfer cases containing the remains of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ray A. Spencer of Los Angeles, and U.S. Army Private First Class Richard A. Dewater of Topeka, Kan., are lowered to the tarmac, Saturday, April 18, 2009. Spencer and Dewater died in Iraq in Operation Iraqi Freedom. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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Private First Class Richard Dewater's friends and family knew him as Rick, a strong 21 year-old who was convinced that he could change the world.
"I was in love with that boy from the day they put him in my arms. I'll never forget, I can't," said Bob Dewater, Richard's father.
Those close to Rick describe him as the guy you could always count on. At 20 Rick told his father he wanted to join the army. Dewater had his reservations but did not want to hold his son back from his dream. On June sixth Rick graduated. His life moved quickly as he was married on June 17th and then deployed to Afghanistan on July 27th.
On April 15th, PFC Richard Dewater was killed in a coordinated attack by the Taliban in Afghanistan. His sacrifice helped save the lives of every other member of his platoon.
Final funeral arrangements are still in the works but Dewater says it will be Thursday or Friday in Oregon, one of Rick's favorite places.
To see more of this story click on the video link at the top of this page.
Latest Comments
Theres no greater love than for one to lay down his life for others. Jesus spoke these very words. Rest in peace in PARADISE soldier! God Bless you and your dear family who suffer from this loss. AMEN!
Your Son was "Truly" a Hero that will never be forgotten. His braveness will live forever.
I can not even begin to imagine how you are feeling, but please know when I watched you on the news this morning I felt your pain. You have my deepest sympathy, and your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless your fallen soldier.
