SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday September 2nd, 2012

3rd Annual Kyle J. Wright Memorial Benefit

For all of our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, families and friends who have sacrificed for our freedom - thank a veteran and their families.

Let them know that they will NOT be forgotten

Soldiers and families of the 5th Stryker brigade gathered to say farewell to another young soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Spec. Kyle Wright, a third generation soldier, was just 22 when he was killed by a roadside bomb that blew up his Stryker vehicle in Kandahar province on Jan. 13, 2010.

Wright and fellow soldiers from the 5th Stryker Brigade were just off the main highway, checking for drug traffickers and clearing roadside bombs.

"I'd like to say that the rebuilding process is in full effect, but I know I will never recover from it and neither will they, fully. But we drive on just the same," said Capt. Jacob Saunders, a former brigade member.

The battalion commander just arrived at the base on Thursday from Afghanistan. The conflict has now claimed 32 members of the brigade since July.

"Losing each of these soldiers, the sacrifice the families are making is gut-wrenching, but it doesn't change the fact that they're making a difference. Each and every one knows that they're making a difference," said LTC Jeffrey French.

The flag in front of the family home in Romeoville, Illinois outside Chicago flies at half-staff. Wright had just graduated from high school there in 2006.

"This is something that I felt that he really wanted to do. He wanted to serve his country and make us all proud. He had made his parents very proud of him," said assistant principal Lindy Steeves.

Wright was known for his energy, and his smile. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.