Posted 6:23 am Sunday, June 12, 2011
Hundreds Of East Texans Show Support For Family Of Slain Soldier
TylerPaper.com video
By TIM MONZINGO
Staff Writer
Dozens of flags flapped in the morning breeze Sunday as more than 100 people lined the pavement at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.
Staff Writer
Dozens of flags flapped in the morning breeze Sunday as more than 100 people lined the pavement at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.
In a one-shaped pattern, members of the East Texas Patriot Guard formed a wall around the plane that delivered the body of U.S. Army Sgt. Joshua David Powell back to East Texas.
Members of the guard and attendees hugged and consoled grief-stricken family members as they made their way from the south side of the area to a hanger north, trying to ease some of their pain.
“There's nothing sadder for a family than to have a military funeral,” said Ernie Bistin, a veteran and member of the Fort Worth American Legion who sat along U.S. Highway 37 in Mineola. “My heart goes out to them.”
To show their support, hundreds of East Texans like Bistin lined the procession route, which stretched about 40 miles from the airport to Lowe Funeral Home in Powell's hometown, Quitman, waving American flags to offer their support to Powell's family. Churches canceled Sunday school to encourage members to attend; families and individuals crowded the sidewalks and roadsides to offer their appreciation for Powell's sacrifice.
Many people such as Winona resident Steve Smith said there is little to be done to console the family, but they hoped their presence would be of some comfort to the family.
“I think when they see it, they will be proud to know this many people are behind them,” said Smith, who sat along the highway in Lindale.
The sentiment was shared by Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, who attended Powell's arrival in Tyler.
“I think the turnout today shows how much we care as a community,” she said. “We have a very patriotic community.”
East Texas Patriot Guard John Bradbury said there are no words people can say to relieve the pain, but in the end, shows of support by the community help those suffering.
“It shows them they did not lose a loved one in vain — it was for something,” he said. “It does help, but it takes a while.”
And the patriotism of Quitman's residents came through as well, Mayor Jerry Edwards said. Between 400 and 600 people came out to show their support, he said.
Edwards said he was glad Powell was home again but wished it were for a happier reason.
“It's always sad to get anyone back that way, but I think the community turned out and really showed tribute and honor on his return,” he said. “I just appreciate all the support, and I'm sure the family does, too.”
Although he did not know the Powell family, Bistin, who lost family members in the Korean and Vietnam wars, understood their pain and said it was something Americans have seen too much of.
“This is the greatest country in the world, and we're losing too many good people,” he said. “He was a very brave, great person.”
A visitation will be held for Powell Monday at Lowe Funeral Home in Quitman from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. A funeral service is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday at West Lake Baptist Church in Alba.
Memorials may be made at Bank Texas Quitman, Fallen Hero Account in the name of Sgt. Joshua “Buddy J” Powell.
“There's nothing sadder for a family than to have a military funeral,” said Ernie Bistin, a veteran and member of the Fort Worth American Legion who sat along U.S. Highway 37 in Mineola. “My heart goes out to them.”
To show their support, hundreds of East Texans like Bistin lined the procession route, which stretched about 40 miles from the airport to Lowe Funeral Home in Powell's hometown, Quitman, waving American flags to offer their support to Powell's family. Churches canceled Sunday school to encourage members to attend; families and individuals crowded the sidewalks and roadsides to offer their appreciation for Powell's sacrifice.
Many people such as Winona resident Steve Smith said there is little to be done to console the family, but they hoped their presence would be of some comfort to the family.
“I think when they see it, they will be proud to know this many people are behind them,” said Smith, who sat along the highway in Lindale.
The sentiment was shared by Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass, who attended Powell's arrival in Tyler.
“I think the turnout today shows how much we care as a community,” she said. “We have a very patriotic community.”
East Texas Patriot Guard John Bradbury said there are no words people can say to relieve the pain, but in the end, shows of support by the community help those suffering.
“It shows them they did not lose a loved one in vain — it was for something,” he said. “It does help, but it takes a while.”
And the patriotism of Quitman's residents came through as well, Mayor Jerry Edwards said. Between 400 and 600 people came out to show their support, he said.
Edwards said he was glad Powell was home again but wished it were for a happier reason.
“It's always sad to get anyone back that way, but I think the community turned out and really showed tribute and honor on his return,” he said. “I just appreciate all the support, and I'm sure the family does, too.”
Although he did not know the Powell family, Bistin, who lost family members in the Korean and Vietnam wars, understood their pain and said it was something Americans have seen too much of.
“This is the greatest country in the world, and we're losing too many good people,” he said. “He was a very brave, great person.”
A visitation will be held for Powell Monday at Lowe Funeral Home in Quitman from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. A funeral service is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday at West Lake Baptist Church in Alba.
Memorials may be made at Bank Texas Quitman, Fallen Hero Account in the name of Sgt. Joshua “Buddy J” Powell.
