Name: Army Chief Warrant Officer Paul J. Pillen Age: 28 From: Keystone, S.D. Assigned to the 249th Aviation, South Dakota Army National Guard, Rapid City, S.D. Incident: Army Chief Warrant Officer Paul J. Pillen died Oct. 17 of a non-combat related cause in Salwa, Kuwait. The incident is under investigation.
Died:
October
17, 2005
South Dakotans pay final respects to soldier
Associated Press
RAPID CITY, S.D. — More than 400 people gathered Wednesday for the funeral of a South Dakota National Guard pilot who died while serving in Kuwait.
Chief Warrant Officer Paul Pillen, 28, of Keystone, was a member of the Guard’s 249th Aviation Battalion in Rapid City. He died Oct. 17 in Kuwait of a non-combat related cause.
“We’re here to support Paul and remember him — the great soldier that he was — and support his family,” said Maj. Andy Gerlach, a National Guard spokesman. “It’s always hard, but I think we have the camaraderie in the National Guard to come out and support events like this, and it was shown today.”
During burial at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis, South Dakota National Guard helicopters flew in formation over the service while guardsmen served as the honor guard.
Prayers & Condolences For: Paul J. Pillen BY Anonymous on May 03, 2006
Paul my best friend and companion, I know I cannot be with you right now but the day will come when I will get to see you again at those pearly gates of heaven, you are truely an american hero and someone that I have always looked up to there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you in one way or another, though the body is gone the memories will last forever. Miss you Buddy and can't wait till I see you again.
Prayers & Condolences For: Paul J. Pillen BY DONNYDO on Mar 16, 2006
God, by whose mercy the faithful departed find rest, look kindly on Your departed veteran who gave his life in the service of his country. Grant that through the passion, death, and resurrection of Your Son he may share in the joy of Your heavenly kingdom and rejoice in You with Your saints forever.