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Service Held for Covenanter Killed in Iraq
STOCKTON, CA (July 19, 2004) - A memorial service was held last Friday at
Stockton Covenant Church for parishioner and Army Spc. William River
Emanuel IV,
who was killed July 8 during a mortar attack on U.S. military
headquarters in Samarra, Iraq.
Two former youth pastors at Stockton Covenant - Julie Harvey and Mike
Areida - officiated during the memorial service with an estimated 500
individuals filling a sanctuary designed to accommodate 300. A reception
followed, hosted by a local American Legion group at the American Legion
hall.
Emanuel, a 19-year-old infantryman in the U.S. Army, had been an active
member of the Stockton Covenant youth group and had worked for a
landscaping company, a
local restaurant and a nickel arcade, his family was quoted as saying in
a recent Associated Press story.
A church representative said that Emanuel, known affectionately as T.J.
around the church, had been a leader in the junior high youth group
while he was in high school
and was remembered as a teen with an engaging personality and a unique
sense of humor.
Following graduation from high school in December 2001, Emanuel joined
the military at age 17. The lure of excitement drew him to the infantry
and he was stationed in Germany, reported the San Francisco
Chronicle in a story last week. His deployed unit was located just
north of Baghdad.
In recent days, Emanuel was awarded posthumously the Bronze Star and the
Purple Heart for exemplary military service and to honor his ultimate
sacrifice for his country.
Another member of the Emanuel family, William's 21-year-old sister, Navy
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tiffany Emanuel, is also in the military. She is
stationed in San Diego. Emanuel is survived by his mother, Jane; his
sister, Tiffany, and a number of aunts and uncles.
Copyright © 2008 The Evangelical Covenant Church. |
