SPC Erik George-Vega was born December 11, 1980, and died on March 14, 2010 at San Antonio, Texas.
Erik joined the Army in May 2004 and served with Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. He had returned from a deployment to Iraq in June, 2009 and was based at Fort Hood, Texas.
His many military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Funeral services were held March 22 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. Present were Patriot Guard Riders from the central Texas region. They formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the funeral home to welcome the arriving family and friends.
After the services, the Riders led the funeral procession a short distance to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery where final interment services were held and military honors rendered.
The Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the committal shelter. Also present were the officers and men of his unit, to pay honor to their fallen comrade.
An Army chaplain led the mourners in the Lord’s Prayer. An Army rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country. Taps was played by the Army bugler.
The honor guard folded the American flag, that had covered the silver casket, into a tight triangle and presented it to Erik’s family on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.
A mariachi band lead the family and friends in the singing of traditional Mexican funeral songs, as hugs were shared and many tears were shed.
As the services concluded, the band played as members of the family approached the casket and said their final goodbyes.
SPC Erik George-Vega was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery, overlooking the Texas hill country. The American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.
Left to cherish his memory are many family, dear friends and his fellow comrades in arms.
With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home and the Fort Hood Sentinel for biographical information.
Link to memorial page, including slide show of photos of Erik though-out his life.
http://www.legacy.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Erik-George-Vega&lc=1795&mid=4173224
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