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One of America’s finest returned home from Iraq this morning. Sgt. Gregory D. Unruh, nicknamed “Professor” by his platoon, was killed in a vehicle rollover accident during a recon mission in Mandali, Iraq March 19th.

As usual, the Galveston County law enforcement community gave him a heroes welcome. The SE Texas Patriot Guard Riders turned out in large numbers this morning to escort him from Scholes Field in Galveston to the Forest Park Funeral Home in Webster. The procession was over a mile long as we wound our way down the seawall, up I-45 to Hwy 146, through the city of Dickinson on FM 517 and again on I-45 to the funeral home.

Sgt. Unruh did not take the typical route to the military, enlisting when he was 26 and had already graduated from the University of Houston-Clear Lake. He rose quickly to the rank of Sgt. because of his quick mind and leadership ability. He planned to attend law school after the Army.

Each time I attend one of these escorts or funerals, I’m filled with mixed emotions. Watching a grieving family suffer as they see the casket descend from the plane is heartbreaking. Listening to their cries brings tears of sadness to even the hardest of hearts. And yet, looking around at the ordinary Americans that take time out of their daily life to honor the fallen reminds me that there is a bigger picture to life. Seeing ordinary citizens stop what they are doing as we pass by reminds me that our country comes together as one during times of crisis.

As we rode through Dickinson, the volunteer fire department had placed ladder trucks on each side of the road and were flying a huge American flag. Hundreds of people lined the streets in silent honor of the service of Sgt. Unruh. The Dickinson High School ROTC gathered by the side of the road, honoring a true hero. The Faith Lutheran and True Cross Schools lined the streets with their students. Restaurants, grocery stores and office buildings emptied to pay respect. Tears streamed down our faces as we recognized the gratitude of the American people for the sacrifice this young man made.

“We’re extremely proud of him,” Anthony Unruh said of his son’s military service Thursday. “There was nothing he wouldn’t do for us, nor us for him.”

I’m proud too, Mr. Unruh. I’m proud of your son for his service and I’m proud of you for raising such a man. We will forever be in debt to you for your sacrifice. Thank you.

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3.21 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."