Drop Zone named after fallen rigger

Photo By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster | Members of the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, U.S. Air Force, pose with the 530th Logistics Task Force after loading a C-17 at LSA Anaconda for its inaugural drop on the Burri Drop Zone near Rawah.  

11.08.2005

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. Mitch Armbruster

An aerial resupply mission was cleared but needed a drop zone in an area that had not been surveyed. Staff Sgt. Charles Saulter, a parachute rigger with the 623rd Quartermaster Company, surveyed the area and named it Burri Drop Zone.

Spc. Eric Burri, a Soldier assigned to the 623rd stationed in Balad, was killed in action at the age of 22 and his fellow Soldiers vowed to help his memory live on.

Burri was a parachute rigger in the U.S. Army, but was acting as a gunner on combat logistics patrols. An improvised explosive device hit his vehicle, killing him.

Burri's fellow Soldiers, riggers with the 623rd, worked for an opportunity to honor Burri.

"We always take care of each other," said Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Jones, the shop NCOIC for the 530th Logistics Task Force, helping with a mission at Logistical Support Area Anaconda. "He is the first fallen rigger and our brother. The drop zone should be named after him."

Burri was one of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Michelle Zaballa's Soldiers. She met him fresh out of advanced individual training. Zaballa explained that Burri volunteered to move forward from Kuwait early to help in any way that he could. Burri wanted to help with the mission and gave the ultimate sacrifice for the Army, the nation, and the future of Iraq.

"It is an awesome feeling to be a part of something no one else is doing," Jones said. "Burri Drop Zone makes you feel like you are doing something great. This is what it's all about."

Servicemembers across the globe have sworn to uphold the rights and freedoms that they cherish. Burri and others like him have honored all Americans with their sacrifice.
Burri was from Wyoming, Mich.

• Date Taken: 11.08.2005
• Date Posted: 11.08.2005 13:46
• Story ID: 3667