ST. LOUIS MO (KTVI-FOX2now.com) -
Killed in action in Afghanistan, a soldier is now home in Missouri. And the welcome home for the fallen army sergeant was befitting of the hero he is.
"These boys and girls, they go in and fight for us to do exactly what we do today," said Missouri Patriot Guard Riders Captain Mike Gibbs. Gibbs and dozens of motorcycle riders like him made sure Sgt. William "Brian" Woods was welcomed home the right way, because he came home in a way neither his family, nor his friends, nor anyone in America ever wanted.
Woods' body arrived at Lambert Airport around 5:30 Wednesday evening. His casket, draped with a flag, was held with care, by fellow soldiers. His family leaned on each other, and were surrounded and strengthened by strangers: police officers, motorcycle riders, firemen. They were all Americans who just wanted to say thank you.
"It's quite honestly the most humbling thing that we've ever done," says Gibbs. "If you'll notice, most of these riders are wearing dark sunglasses. Not for sun, but it covers tears."
Woods was a sniper, in the army's special forces. He worked security details, keeping high level dignitaries safe. He was in the marines before he became a soldier. Just 31 years old, he was a father of two girls: six years and eight months. He was a well-respected military man, and he was shot and killed in Afghanistan August 14. He died August 16. He grew up in Catawissa, in Franklin County, but went to Jefferson County's Northwest High School. He is a from a strong Jefferson County military family. His grandfather, a preacher, will preside over his funeral, a funeral that wasn't supposed to happen.
With tears in his eyes, Woods' uncle briefly described his nephew as a remarkable young man. He said they are gratified by the support they feel from across the St. Louis region.
That support was visible as a long procession, with dozens of motorcycles, two limousines, several Missouri Highway Patrol cars, and Jefferson County sheriff's deputies wound around I-70 to I-270 to Highway 30.
"I mean, it's such pride," said Debbie Pirzgoda, standing on Highway 30 with a flag, waving. "We cannot forget them."
Pirzgoda's son is in Iraq right now.
Darin Davis was not far from her, with his young daughter. There were hundreds of people like them, waving, applauding, saluting, crying.
Davis served in the Army, too.
"I spent my time in the Middle East and I was very glad to get back here in the United States," he says. "So I'm very privileged to be where I'm at now.
"I hope my daughter learns something about this," he says. "She knew I was in the military but she didn't really know what it means. She'll understand with all these flags and people, she'll see people do support the military, it's not just something going on across the world, but people back them up as best they can."
Woods' family says serving America was an honor to Brian. America is honored he served.
"We cannot forget them," says Pirzgoda. "We've got to show their families the support they need for what their sons or daughters gave for our country."
Visitation for Woods will be Friday from 3pm to 9pm at Chapel Hill Mortuary, at 6300 Highway 30 in Cedar Hill. Woods is a 1996 graduate of Northwest High School in Jefferson County and that will be the site of his funeral at 11am Saturday. The burial will be private, and will not be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Woods will instead be buried at a cemetery in Jennings, beside his own stillborn son.
Woods' body arrived at Lambert Airport around 5:30 Wednesday evening. His casket, draped with a flag, was held with care, by fellow soldiers. His family leaned on each other, and were surrounded and strengthened by strangers: police officers, motorcycle riders, firemen. They were all Americans who just wanted to say thank you.
"It's quite honestly the most humbling thing that we've ever done," says Gibbs. "If you'll notice, most of these riders are wearing dark sunglasses. Not for sun, but it covers tears."
Woods was a sniper, in the army's special forces. He worked security details, keeping high level dignitaries safe. He was in the marines before he became a soldier. Just 31 years old, he was a father of two girls: six years and eight months. He was a well-respected military man, and he was shot and killed in Afghanistan August 14. He died August 16. He grew up in Catawissa, in Franklin County, but went to Jefferson County's Northwest High School. He is a from a strong Jefferson County military family. His grandfather, a preacher, will preside over his funeral, a funeral that wasn't supposed to happen.
With tears in his eyes, Woods' uncle briefly described his nephew as a remarkable young man. He said they are gratified by the support they feel from across the St. Louis region.
That support was visible as a long procession, with dozens of motorcycles, two limousines, several Missouri Highway Patrol cars, and Jefferson County sheriff's deputies wound around I-70 to I-270 to Highway 30.
"I mean, it's such pride," said Debbie Pirzgoda, standing on Highway 30 with a flag, waving. "We cannot forget them."
Pirzgoda's son is in Iraq right now.
Darin Davis was not far from her, with his young daughter. There were hundreds of people like them, waving, applauding, saluting, crying.
Davis served in the Army, too.
"I spent my time in the Middle East and I was very glad to get back here in the United States," he says. "So I'm very privileged to be where I'm at now.
"I hope my daughter learns something about this," he says. "She knew I was in the military but she didn't really know what it means. She'll understand with all these flags and people, she'll see people do support the military, it's not just something going on across the world, but people back them up as best they can."
Woods' family says serving America was an honor to Brian. America is honored he served.
"We cannot forget them," says Pirzgoda. "We've got to show their families the support they need for what their sons or daughters gave for our country."
Visitation for Woods will be Friday from 3pm to 9pm at Chapel Hill Mortuary, at 6300 Highway 30 in Cedar Hill. Woods is a 1996 graduate of Northwest High School in Jefferson County and that will be the site of his funeral at 11am Saturday. The burial will be private, and will not be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. Woods will instead be buried at a cemetery in Jennings, beside his own stillborn son.
