Fallen Oklahoma Soldier Praised For His Service

KINGSTON, Okla. (AP) -- More than 700 people gather in Kingston to remember an Army soldier who was killed while serving in Iraq.<br/><br/>Army Sergeant Clint Williams died September 14th when an improvised

Sunday, September 24th 2006, 6:35 am

By: News On 6

KINGSTON, Okla. (AP) -- More than 700 people gather in Kingston to remember an Army soldier who was killed while serving in Iraq.

Army Sergeant Clint Williams died September 14th when an improvised explosive device blew up in Baghdad. The news of his death came a day after one of his classmates had returned from Iraq after being injured along with four others in Iraq.

Brigadier General Gary Bray of the Oklahoma National Guard said Saturday that Williams volunteered to serve in the US Army knowing what the risks were because he wanted to serve his country when his country needed him most.

Williams' high school shop teacher, Wayne Sampson, remembered his former student as someone who was willing to do anything for others, always joking and knowing something about life other take for granted.

Williams received the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for helping lead others to safety even though he had been wounded.

[Photo courtesy KXII]