The Funeral of CPL David Unger

I attended the funeral of CPL David M. Unger on Friday. CPL Unger, 21, died in Iraq on October 18, 2006.  He is survived by his wife and young son.  His father, SGM Unger, served in Iraq 9 months ago, redeploying about the time his son was deploying to Iraq.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Oct. 18, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle. The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

2nd Lt. Christopher E. Loudon, 23, of Brockport, Pa.

Cpl. David M. Unger, 21, of Leavenworth, Kan.

Cpl. Russell G. Culbertson III, 22, of Amity, Pa.

Spc. Joseph C. Dumas Jr., 25, of New Orleans.

The Patriot Guard Riders uplifted the dignity of the deceased with their presence. They truly serve their country, too. They're objective at military funerals is to:

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.

2. Shield the mourning family and friends from interruptions created by any protestor or group of protesters.

Awesome.

Here is CPL Unger's obituary.

U.S. Army Cpl. David M. Unger, 21, of Leavenworth, was killed in action on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2006, in Iraq.  He was born the son of Diana L. Daniel Pitts and Matthew E. Unger on Oct. 31, 1984, in Kansas City, KS.  He married Laura K. Ott on Feb. 14, 2004 in Lampasas County, Texas. She survives of the home.

Cpl. Unger enlisted in the U.S. Army on Aug. 21, 2003, after graduating from Leavenworth High School. He was raised in the Leavenworth area and had attended West Middle School and David Brewer Elementary.  Since he was 13, he had worked at the Main Post Chapel on Fort Leavenworth.

It was cold, windy and sobering.  God bless all military who serve our country during this time of war.  Photos from the funeral procession and burial:

(photo by CH (MAJ) Lewis) 

The whole town came to post to honor CPL Unger.    (photo by CH (MAJ) Lewis) 

(photo by CH (MAJ) Lewis) 

(photo by CH (MAJ) Lewis) 

The procession.  (photo by CH (MAJ) Lewis) 

(photo by CH (MAJ) Lewis) 

(photo by Amy Proctor)

(photo by Amy Proctor) 

(photo by Amy Proctor) 

21 gun salute.   (photo by CH (MAJ) Lewis) 

(photo by Amy Proctor) 

CPL Unger's wife and mother receive flag (SGM Unger standing)  (photo by Amy Proctor) 

(photo by Amy Proctor) 

(photo by Amy Proctor) 

(photo by Amy Proctor)

PATRIOT GUARD RIDER  (photo by Amy Proctor) 

(photo by Amy Proctor) 

(photo by Amy Proctor)

(photo by Amy Proctor) 

Rest in Peace, CPL Unger.

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Comments

[Tim]

Great pictures. Blessings on the family. I'm glad they protected the funeral too. The best however, is the traitor picture referring to she-who-will-remain-nameless. I refuse to say her name, let it be uttered in my home, or even let the order of letters grace my keyboard.

[Leticia]

Beautiful and touching pictures Amy. It almost brings tears to my eyes. His wife looks so very young, my gosh! Poor baby.

I am also very relieved that there weren't any stupid protestors or hecklers around to ruin this moment for the bereaved family.

[Frank]

Thanks Amy, for the story and the photos. We sincerely appreciate people like you.
. . . A Korean War vet.

[Gayle]

It looks like it was an awesome tribute, Amy. I love the patch on those Jeans!

May God rest this good man's soul and help his survivors with their grief.

Blessings.

[Silke]

“Day is done,
gone the sun,
From the hills,
from the lake,
From the skies.
All is well,
safely rest,
God is nigh.

Go to sleep,
peaceful sleep,
May the soldier
or sailor,
God keep.
On the land
or the deep,
Safe in sleep…” – Taps (though there are no “official”
words)

Thanks, Amy.

[Deb]

What a moving tribute. What beautiful photos. God bless his family.

[Mike]

Thanx, Amy. I've been to a few of these funerals myself a few decades back - this post brought back those memories. It's sad to see the MSM selfishly manipulate and exploit a families loss and grief.

[Stephen Gilman]

We travelled to Kansas City on the plane in which Matt Unger escorted the body of his son David. The airport fire brigade sprayed an arch of water over the jet to salute Cpl. Unger as we pulled in. All the passengers aboard applauded him and then joined in a moment of silence. I whispered into my newborn son's ear that we had a hero aboard. After the plane stopped, we stepped aside to let Cpl. Unger's father get to the tarmac and he said: "Your son did great on the trip." I told him that we were sorry for his loss. He responded by saying, "Embrace your son every day, no matter how old he is."

[jordan]

I have known his family since i was in first grad and I know this is a terible loss.

[Matt Unger]

I stumbled upon this page by accident. I am truly moved by the thoughts and wonderful things you have all said. David was my cousin and will be missed. Please also keep my uncle Matt Unger in your prayers. He is now serving his third tour over seas.

[Stephanie Ott]

David Unger was my brother in law and I miss him very much. I just wanted to thank you for this article and thank all of those who commented. I had tears running down my face when I read the comment by the man who was on the plane escorting David home. We all miss him and I think about him every day.

[1LT Daniel]

Truly sorry for the loss of your Hero.

[alice]

Nice pics!!! I miss him very much. I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldiers who were in that Humvee with you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. Rest in Peace!!!!!