Posted 2:01 am Sunday, June 19, 2011
East Texans Line Roads As Fallen Gladewater Soldier Is Returned Home
By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer
MINEOLA — Hundreds of East Texans endured 100-degree heat for hours to line U.S. Highway 80 with flags and signs to show respect for fallen soldier U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Bradley Justin Gaudet, of Gladewater, and his family Saturday evening.
A mile-long procession, including multiple counties’ vehicles, Department of Public Safety, police and fire departments, and more than 150 motorcyclists from Patriot Guard Riders escorted Gaudet and his family from Dallas to Gladewater.
Staff Writer
MINEOLA — Hundreds of East Texans endured 100-degree heat for hours to line U.S. Highway 80 with flags and signs to show respect for fallen soldier U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Bradley Justin Gaudet, of Gladewater, and his family Saturday evening.
A mile-long procession, including multiple counties’ vehicles, Department of Public Safety, police and fire departments, and more than 150 motorcyclists from Patriot Guard Riders escorted Gaudet and his family from Dallas to Gladewater.
Gaudet was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Combat Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y., and on his first tour in Afghanistan serving as a Kiowa Warrior helicopter pilot.
Trish Todd, Gaudet’s sister, called the response from residents lining the route “overwhelming.
Trish Todd, Gaudet’s sister, called the response from residents lining the route “overwhelming.
“It’s amazing to know people came out and showed true empathy,” she said. “They understand our family paid the ultimate sacrifice. We didn’t want him to come home like this, but we are thankful for everyone’s support.”
Dorothy Harbin, of Quitman, sat in the shade beside the highway to “show respect for the family and the soldier.” Ms. Harbin has a son stationed at Fort Hood, who will be deployed to Afghanistan in a month.
Dorothy Harbin, of Quitman, sat in the shade beside the highway to “show respect for the family and the soldier.” Ms. Harbin has a son stationed at Fort Hood, who will be deployed to Afghanistan in a month.
“It’s love for God and country and soldiers and freedom,” she said. “It feels like the Army officer said at (Sgt. Joshua David Powell’s) funeral, ‘Those in military service are brothers, and we feel like they are all part of the family.’”
Powell, 28, died in Afghanistan a day before Gaudet. Powell was from Quitman. A procession escorted Powell Sunday. He was laid to rest Tuesday.
Powell, 28, died in Afghanistan a day before Gaudet. Powell was from Quitman. A procession escorted Powell Sunday. He was laid to rest Tuesday.
Ms. Harbin said there is no consolation for losing a son, brother or father in war, but it is important for residents to make sure soldiers and their families know they have support.
Jan Maxwell, media coordinator for Patriot Guard Riders, shared the same sentiments. Her two sons have served actively in Iraq. One son still is deployed.
“As a mother it’s tremendously important,” she said. “It doesn’t bring them back but as a parent they see that what their son gave was appreciated by their community.”
U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, rode in the cavalcade, and said thousands of people from every community between Dallas and Mineola lined the roadway.
“They held flags, with tears in their eyes and hands on their hearts,” he said. “It was deeply moving. Makes me proud to be from East Texas.”
Mrs. Todd said the death of her brother has been difficult on her family, especially her mother. She said the support has provided some solace.
“It helps,” she said. “He was a true American hero, and it’s great to know people care.”
Services for Gaudet will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Gladewater First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Gladewater Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater.
Jan Maxwell, media coordinator for Patriot Guard Riders, shared the same sentiments. Her two sons have served actively in Iraq. One son still is deployed.
“As a mother it’s tremendously important,” she said. “It doesn’t bring them back but as a parent they see that what their son gave was appreciated by their community.”
U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Texas, rode in the cavalcade, and said thousands of people from every community between Dallas and Mineola lined the roadway.
“They held flags, with tears in their eyes and hands on their hearts,” he said. “It was deeply moving. Makes me proud to be from East Texas.”
Mrs. Todd said the death of her brother has been difficult on her family, especially her mother. She said the support has provided some solace.
“It helps,” she said. “He was a true American hero, and it’s great to know people care.”
Services for Gaudet will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Gladewater First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Gladewater Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater.
