Oklahoma guardsman remembered as cheerful, fun-loving

Army Specialist Kyle Brinlee-Showler is being remembered as a fun-loving, witty man who joined the National Guard to make a difference. <br/><br/>Showler was killed by an explosion in Iraq last week.

Wednesday, May 19th 2004, 5:59 pm

By: News On 6

Army Specialist Kyle Brinlee-Showler is being remembered as a fun-loving, witty man who joined the National Guard to make a difference.

Showler was killed by an explosion in Iraq last week. In his hometown of Pryor, about a thousand people packed into the high school auditorium to pay their respects to the fallen soldier. His friends say people were drawn toward him.

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry spoke at the funeral. He says Showlerâ€™s sacrifice will not be forgotten. "I know this; Specialist Kyle Brinlee-Showler is a true hero."

Friend Austin Hamby: "He could light up a room full of people. I mean when he was in the room, you knew it. Such a good guy."

At the ceremony, Kyle Brinlee-Showler was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart posthumously. He was also promoted to the rank of Sergeant.