Army Specialist Eric T. Burri

Remember Our Heroes

Army Specialist Eric T. Burri, 21, of Wyoming, Michigan.

Spc Burri died in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV. He was assigned to the 623rd Quartermaster Company, 1st Corps Support Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Spc Burri was from suburban Grand Rapids. A family friend says he had a longing for opportunities to travel.

Virginia Burri told Grand Rapids radio station WOOD-AM that her grandson joined the Army after graduating from Kelloggsville High School. Flags at the school flew at half-staff as word of his death spread in the area.

Woody Watson, a close family friend, said the Army was Burri’s ticket to travel. His drive was sparked by a year Burri spent in Uruguay as an exchange student while in high school, Watson said.

Watson said Burri wanted to learn languages and meet different people.

“We’re sad. We’re hurt,” Watson told The Detroit News. “He was brave to go and fight for freedom — not only for his country, but for others around the world.”

Engaged to marry a 21-year-old Saginaw woman, he was home a couple of weeks ago to attend an uncle’s funeral, his grandmother said. Burri also is survived by his parents, Joanne and John, and an older brother, Andrew.

While overseas, Burri leaned on his trust in God, Watson said.

In an e-mail to his family, he wrote: “I know that all of you will keep me in your prayers and thoughts and also God will be watching my back.”

Army Specialist Eric T. Burri was killed in action on 06/07/05.