Sgt. Edward Lee Hoglund III, United States Army

Edward Hoglund was born on November 5, 1976 at Chicago, Illinois and passed away March 2, 2011, at the age of 34, from injures suffered in a traffic accident at Ft. Stewart, Georgia.

Edward was a Sergeant in the United States Army at the time of his passing, and had served three tours of duty in Iraq. He was assigned to B Co., 3/69 Armor, 3rd Infantry Division.

A family visitation was held on Monday morning at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. Thereafter, the Patriot Guard Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for interment services.

The procession was greeted at the cemetery by fifty American flags, the Texas State Flag and the flags of all the military services, blowing in the brisk northerly Texas wind.

The flag draped casket was moved from the hearse into the committal shelter by the Army Honor Guard. The Patriot Guard Riders then formed a line of American flags along the front of the shelter.

Edward’s father-in-law, affectionately calling him Eddie, spoke of Eddie’s life, his traits, his habits and his good deeds. He told of how Eddie was proud to be a “grunt”. He related a story that emphasized Eddie’s honesty. The story was of how Eddie was playing soccer with a group of boys when he kicked the ball over a fence into the side of a car, denting the side of the car. The boys were shouting, “run Eddie, run!” , but he didn’t. He did the right thing.

He also told of some of Eddie’s favorite sayings:

“Life isn’t fair, get over it”
“No whining allowed”
“Your not entitled to anything if you don’t work for it.”

Captain Michael Dawson of the United States Army Chaplain Corps said the final prayers.

Full military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard. The seven rifle detail fired three rounds of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The Honor Guard then folded the American flag that covered the silver casket into the traditional triangle. It was passed ceremoniously to an Army Staff Sergeant who presented the flag to Edward's wife, Amanda, on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful country as thanks for his many years of faithful service.

Folded flags were also presented to Edward’s father, his son and one of his daughters. The daughter returned the salute of the Sergeant, after he presented the flag to her.

Sgt. Edward Lee Hoglund, III was then laid to rest on the wind swept plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his son, two daughters, his father and many other dear family, friends and fellow soldiers.

Taps

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lake, from the hill,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest. God is nigh.

Thanks and praise for our days
‘neath the sun, ‘neath the stars,

‘neath the sky.
As we go, this we know. God is nigh.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.