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Hometown Hero Video on CBSNews.com |
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Many mourn Victor Anderson Author:
Carly Farrell ANDERSONVILLE — The air was thick with anguish Monday morning as mourners began streaming into the Andersonville National Historic Site for Victor Anderson’s funeral in the National Cemetery. As the funeral began at 11 a.m., about 100 people were forced into standing room, thereby making the total turnout equal to about 200, not including the family. The funeral procession began with the Schley County Sheriff’s Office, Americus Police Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office driving silently, but with their lights flashing, into and surrounding the cul-de-sac right behind the grassy knoll where Anderson’s funeral was to be held. After the procession, the officers proceeded to exit their vehicles and formed two lines on the sidewalk starting at the cul-de-sac up to the large, open-air structure where the family would eventually walk to sit for the funeral. Then, the family drove to the cul-de-sac, and began the processional, walking two by two, through the officers’ line, up to the open-air structure. Before the funeral began, at about 10:30 a.m., Victor Anderson’s cremated remains were brought by hearse to the cemetery, where they were taken out by six military men and women and marched up to the open-air structure. Chaplain Don McDaniel gave the opening prayer, giving thanks to Anderson for his life and service, and praying to bring peace to the surviving family. Master Sgt. Bruce Pike gave the first eulogy, speaking primarily about Anderson’s fight with diabetes. According to McDaniel, Anderson was diagnosed with diabetes when he had his routine physical check up with the Army in the summer of 2004, thereby forcing Anderson to be denied entrance into battle overseas. “Most people and soldiers would be happy (with the diagnosis,)” McDaniel said, “but not Victor.” So, according to McDaniel, Anderson began a vigorous workout routine and began to eat a more healthful diet. On Dec. 1, 2004, Anderson wrote a letter to a military board requesting that he receive a 120-day re-evaluation. “I’ll gladly accept the findings of the board,” Anderson wrote in his letter. The board accepted Anderson’s request for the re-evaluation, according to McDaniel, and in May 2005, Anderson was sent to Iraq, where he was killed by a car bomb on Aug. 30 in Baghdad. Joni Bennett gave the second eulogy. Bennett began with, “(Americans) could not have asked for a finer soldier — he was an excellent and great soldier; he gave 100 percent.” Bennett explained that even though Anderson most likely would not be happy with her, or anyone, for that matter, divulging the following information, but that he was a dependable and well responsible for all his fellow soldiers. Bennett went on to explain that Anderson’s mission was to serve his country — that serving his country was his calling in life. “He was taken far too early, but he had a greater mission; we may not understand it, but we must accept it,” Bennett said. “He will never be forgotten. He demonstrated courage and bravery, overcame fear in combat.” Bennett explained that Anderson, along with the rest of his battalion, had the eyes of daredevils. “They take risks so we don’t have to take risks,” Bennett said. Amy Bellscamper gave the third eulogy, in which she spoke about Anderson’s spirit. “(Anderson) had courage, power, love and a sound mind,” Bellscamper said. “I lost a friend and a comrade,” Bellscamper said. “Evil will not go unpunished.” Bellscamper went on to praise Anderson’s wife, Ellen. On May 13, Bellscamper was throwing a send-off party for Anderson’s brigade. “I was running around at Fort Stewart preparing, and Ellen Anderson came up to me and asked me what she could do to help me,” Bellscamper said. Bellscamper responded by telling Ellen Anderson to go spend the last few moments she had with her husband. Ellen Anderson, according to Bellscamper, refused the demand, and instead insisted upon helping her with the party plans. “I couldn’t have made it through the day without her ice cold water bottles and her help to the second battalion. Ellen has been, is and always will be, Charlie Company’s mama. (Charlie Company) is deeply blessed to have Ellen as part of the family,” Bellscamper said, ending by saying, “Thank you for who you are.” Brig. Gen. William T. Nesbitt began his eulogy by expressing his sympathy to the family. Then, Nesbitt spoke about how Anderson, just a few days before his untimely demise, had lost four of his men in a car bombing, and how upsetting this was to him. Nesbitt went onto say, “God bless the president, the people of the great state of Georgia. (Anderson) was a great leader. (Anderson knew) freedom is not free — it’s bought at a terrible price. God bless Anderson.” The last eulogy was given by U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall. Marshall began by saying that although he did not know Anderson personally, he felt a great loss. “This is the fifth funeral I’ve attended for Middle Georgia.” Marshall went on to explain that he’d recently given a speech at an event where he spoke of the long lost soldiers who died fighting for the United States’ freedom in previous wars. “The long-dead does not (hit you as hard as the recently passed,)” Marshall explained. “(It feels) like a dream or a bad nightmare. The loss of happiness from loved ones may never be filled. The future seems so uncertain,” Marshall said, addressing Anderson’s family. “I would have liked to have known him and had him take my back,” Marshall went on to say, referring to the positive statements other people had made in reference to Anderson. Marshall ended by saying, “Thank you for your service and may God bless (Anderson,) his family, the United States of America and everyone in attendance.” Victor Anderson’s family was then presented with the Purple Heart, the oldest U.S. military decoration, which is given to combat-wounded veterans. Anderson’s family was also presented with the Bronze Star, which is awarded for combat heroism. Anderson’s family was also presented with the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, which is awarded to army men in the grade of colonel or below with an infantry or special forces military occupational specialty who have satisfactorily performed duty while assigned as a member of an infantry/special forces unit, brigade or smaller, during any period when the unit was engaged in active ground combat. Each award was presented to the family by Nesbitt and Georgia National Guard Maj. Gen. David Poythress. The service, given by McDaniel, then began with two excerpts from the Bible. McDaniel compared David, a shepherd in the Bible, to a soldier, who guarded his sheep with his life. “Victor Anderson was a wonderful soldier, and you can see him as a shepherd,” McDaniel said. “He was a selfless soldier with only love.” The 21 Gun Salute came after the service. Three helicopters flew over afterward, then, a solo trumpet played taps. The presentation of the flags to the family was made by Poythress, Nesbitt and Sgt. Chris Archer. Finally, Master Sgt. Bruce Pike conducted the “Final Roll Call,” in which each member of Anderson’s brigade was called, and each stood up and said, “Here, Master Sergeant.” After Pike called out about 30 names, he called Anderson’s name, but no one responded, at which point Pike said Anderson is in heaven, serving in God’s military now. Many sobs were audible throughout the audience. Although the Anderson family refused to speak to any members of the press at the funeral, a statement by the family was presented to the press which reads, “Words cannot express the sadness that we feel at Victor’s loss. He gave his life for his country, for something that he believed in. We know that Victor died protecting the freedoms and liberties that as Americans we enjoy every day. He was compassionate about what he was doing in Iraq. He had a deep sense of duty to serve his country as a soldier. The lives he touched were far reaching and he will not be forgotten. We will always miss him, but he will always be with us in our hearts.” “The service was beautiful,” said Anne Crehore, Victor Anderson’s mother’s best friend. “(Anderson) had a huge duty, and (I’m) very proud of Victor, very proud. He was committed to service to God, country and his family.” Deputy Fred Smith, a member of the Schley County’s Sheriff’s Office, who worked with Anderson “... years ago in Ellaville,” said, “(The service) was very touching. You know, you don’t realize (there’s a war) until it really hits close to home. I support all soldiers and what they do for us.” “I think it went exceptionally well,” Sumter County Sheriff Pete Smith said about his former deputy’s service. “I was just overwhelmed. Victor was a true hero and loved his country, job and family. He didn’t have to be over there — he wanted to be over there.” Smith went onto say, “The ceremony was mighty beautiful (from the) 21 gun salute (to the) flag draping; makes me proud to be an American. I want people to know he always gave 110 percent; he volunteered when we didn’t have enough personnel to get job done. It speaks well of a man like that.” Finally, Smith said, “I want our people to pray for our troops. May we have a speedy end to this war.” |
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