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Army Spc. Eric T. Burri
21, of Wyoming, Mich.; assigned to the 623rd Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.; killed June 7 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Baghdad.
Michigan soldier killed in Iraq longed to travel
Associated Press
WYOMING, Mich. — A soldier from suburban Grand Rapids who a family friend says had a longing for opportunities to travel was killed in Iraq when a primitive bomb exploded near his vehicle.
Spc. Eric T. Burri, 21, of Wyoming, died Tuesday in Baghdad, the Department of Defense announced Thursday. He was assigned to the 623rd Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, based at Fort Bragg, N.C.
Virginia Burri told Grand Rapids radio station WOOD-AM that her grandson joined the Army after graduating from Kelloggsville High School. Flags at the school flew at half-staff as word of his death spread in the area.
Woody Watson, a close family friend, said the Army was Burri’s ticket to travel. His drive was sparked by a year Burri spent in Uruguay as an exchange student while in high school, Watson said.
Watson said Burri wanted to learn languages and meet different people.
“We’re sad. We’re hurt,” Watson told The Detroit News. “He was brave to go and fight for freedom — not only for his country, but for others around the world.”
Engaged to marry a 21-year-old Saginaw woman, he was home a couple of weeks ago to attend an uncle’s funeral, his grandmother said. Burri also is survived by his parents, Joanne and John, and an older brother, Andrew.
While overseas, Burri leaned on his trust in God, Watson said.
In an e-mail to his family, he wrote: “I know that all of you will keep me in your prayers and thoughts and also God will be watching my back.”
Burri had been looking forward to returning from his tour of duty in Iraq, said family friend Bruce Sova of Wyoming.
“He wanted to get back, get it done, because he was due to come back in October,” Sova told the Detroit Free Press. “He just wanted to start his life.”
Burri was the 53rd member of the U.S. armed forces with known Michigan ties to be killed in Iraq.
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Condolences :
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Prayers & Condolences For:
Eric T. Burri
BY Anonymous on Jul 05, 2005 | |  | eric was a good boy that grew into a great guy.he became like a son to me.i will miss eric very much,and i still cant hardly believe he is gone.i know he is in heaven with jesus and his brother.rest in peace eric and brian. love bruce
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Prayers & Condolences For:
Eric T. Burri
BY Anonymous on Jul 04, 2005 | | | | I just thought that everyone should know what a great person Eric was. He was a good friend of mine, he was family to my family. He always had a smile on his face and it was very contagious. We deeply miss him and can't wait for the day when we can reunite with him. He's in good hands now.
We love you, Eric.
- Adam, Missy, Trenton and Cy
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Prayers & Condolences For:
Eric T. Burri
BY acidburnny on Jun 25, 2005 | | | | While the shot and shell were screaming on the battlefield,
The boys in blue were fighting their noble flag to shield;
Came a cry from their brave captain, "Look, boys! our flag is down;
Who'll volunteer to save it from disgrace?"
"I will," a young voice shouted, "I'll bring it back or die,"
Then sprang into the thickest of the fray,
Saved the flag but gave his young life; all for his country's sake.
They brought him back and softly heard him say:
"Just break the news to mother,
She knows how dear I love her,
And tell her not to wait for me,
For I'm not coming home;
Just say there is no other
Can take the place of mother;
Then kiss her dear, sweet lips for me,
And break the news to her."
From afar a noted general had witnessed the brave deed.
"Who saved our flag? Speak up lads; 'twas noble, brave, indeed!"
"There he lies, sir," said the captain, "he's sinking very fast,"
Then slowly turned away to hide a tear.
The general, in a moment, knelt down beside the biy;
Then gave a cry that touch'd all hearts that day.
"It's my son, my brave young hero; I thought you safe at home."
"Forgive me Father, for I ran away."
~Charles K. Harris
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