Community Gives Hero's Welcome to Fallen Moore Soldier

By Melissa Maynarich NEWS 9

MOORE, Oklahoma -- A hero's welcome is in store for one of Oklahoma's finest who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Family and friends watched the procession for Army 1st Lt. David Wright II, along with members of the public invited to support the young man, and his efforts overseas.

It was a week ago, today, that Lt. Wright was killed in Afghanistan. The soldier's remains arrived at Will Rogers World Airport at about 1 p.m. today.

Welcoming home a hero, Oklahoman's watched as the plane carrying Lt. Wright touched town.

"The sacrifice of their family members allows me to sleep at night," said Brad Black of the Patriot Guard. "I don't have to worry about someone attacking my home at night because of what these young men and young women are doing for our country."

A procession began with police and the Patriot Guard leading the way down S.W. 59th Street. They travelled through Wright's hometown of Moore, and eventually into Norman.

"A good man, put his life on the line for his country, made the ultimate sacrifice," Tommy Zink, Wright supporter, said.

Memorialized for his service along the way, the 26-year-old was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, along with Sgt. Andrew McConnell of Carlisle, Pennsylvania on September 14. Both men were members of the 5th Stryker Brigade - a unit based in Fort Lewis, Washington.

Wright's family is comforted by the support that Oklahoman's are showing along the streets, but are still in shock.

"They're grief-stricken," said Kim Drye of the Patriot Guard. "He was only over there for two months, two months. So, they aren't doing very well. They're suffering."

Wright was a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. Those who know him say they're proud.

"I've known David since the seventh-grade, and since the day I met David it was a friendship that was always going to be there," said Matt Purser, Wright's friend. "And you knew that he was going to take care of you, and as far as I'm concerned, he just took care of us."

The News Tribune of Tacoma reports the 5th Stryker Brigade has lost 11 soldiers since it was deployed as part of the buildup in Afghanistan.

Lt. Wright's funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Journey Church in Norman.