Rigger honored with building dedication

Photo By Staff Sgt. Gary Hawkins | Two Soldiers uncover a plaque, dedicating building 8124, during a ceremony Sept 11, 2008, Joint Base Balad, Iraq, which was renamed the "Eric Burri Rigging Facility," in honor of a fellow rigger that paid the ultimate sacrifice. Burri, assigned to the 623rd Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, Fort Bragg, N.C., died when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Baghdad, Iraq, June 7, 2005.  

BALAD, IRAQ

09.12.2008

Courtesy Story

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

By the 3rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs Office

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 824th Quartermaster Company held a dedication ceremony Sept 11, 2008, re-naming building number 8124, the "Eric Burri Rigging Facility," on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, honoring a fellow rigger who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Burri died when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Hummvee in Baghdad, Iraq, June 7, 2005 while assigned to the 623rd Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Burri is survived by his parents, JoAnne and John and his older brother, Andrew. Burri, a Wyoming, Mich. native, joined the Army after graduating from Kelloggsville High School to travel, learn languages and meet people from all over the world. His drive was sparked by a year spent in Uruguay as an exchange student while in high school.

From the first day he joined the Army, people seemed to see something different about him. He always had a smile on his face and was well liked by his fellow Soldiers said Capt. Lashanda Caver, commander of the 403rd Inland Cargo Transfer Company who served with Burri prior to his death.

"It is truly an honor to stand before you all and talk about the Burri that I knew and without a doubt deserves this dedication," said Caver. "He not only knew and understood the Soldiers creed, he lived his life by it."

Having great pride in his work and his equipment, making sure he was always ready for the next assignment is just a few examples of what made Burri an exceptional Soldier.

"From day one, he displayed himself as a Soldier with military bearing and a Soldier that possessed complete professionalism," said Caver "He always had a smile on his face and no matter what happened, everyday was a great day in the Army."

• Date Taken: 09.12.2008
• Date Posted: 09.12.2008 03:24
• Story ID: 23546
• Location: BALAD, IQ