http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/local/7789679.htm
Friends, family bid a final farewell to soldier killed in Iraq
By John Gutierrez-Mier and Paul Bourgeois
Star-Telegram staff writers
24 Jan 2004
FORT WORTH - They came to mourn a father, a son, a friend and a hero.
Family and friends of Army Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck poured into Travis Avenue Baptist Church Saturday afternoon for a final salute to the special forces soldier from Fort Worth who died last week in a hospital in Baghdad.
Among them were a few soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group from Fort Carson, Colo., the unit in which Hornbeck served.
With his flag-draped casket sitting near the pulpit, hundreds of people sat quietly as an organist filled the sanctuary with patriotic songs.
But it wasn't until the somber sound from a single bagpipe player began to fill the church that the tears began to fall.
Led by the kilt-clad bagpipe player, a military honor guard made its way to the front of the church as those sitting in the pews stood to pay their respects.
"As we come together today, we're grateful to all who have come to honor Kelly Hornbeck," said the Rev. Michael Dean, senior pastor at the church, just a few blocks from Paschal High School where Hornbeck graduated in 1985.
"We're here today to bring a word of hope and encouragement."
Hornbeck, 36, a career military man, was wounded when an explosive device hit his vehicle near Samarra, Iraq, authorities said. He died two days later.
The hour-and-a-half funeral service included a mix of patriotic songs, and tributes to Hornbeck, including a few words shared by his two daughters.
"Dad was a great friend," said daughter Jacqueline McCall, 11. "He died for his country and he was the best soldier because he was brave."
Army Capt. Terry Romine, chaplain of the 10th Special Forces Group, read remarks from daughter Tyler Hornbeck, 7, who shared the pulpit with her older sister.
"When people ask me what was my favorite memory of my dad, I say I don't know because I have so many," Tyler wrote.
Retired Command Sergeant Major Joseph Callahan said he remembers meeting Hornbeck a few years ago.
"He was a big, tall guy who was wearing a cowboy hat," said Callahan, who explained that over the years he would learn all about Texas from Hornbeck.
He recalled one of Hornbeck's missions in South America where he was assisting in the fight against drug dealers. Hornbeck, Callahan said, had a Texas flag flying at the camp.
"I asked why he was doing that," Callahan said. "He said, `When those guerrillas attack I want them to know there's a Texan here.' "
Matt Price of King Salmon, Alaska, said he had fond memories of Hornbeck, his football teammate at Paschal High School, as he greeted old friends in the parking lot before the funeral.
A hunting guide, Price, who is spending the winter in Fort Worth, said he was saddened by the news that his friend had died.
"He was just as solid as they come," said Price, who graduated a year after Hornbeck.
More than 200 friends braved the cold, steady rain for a short graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery.
With Special Forces soldiers as pallbearers, the bagpiper led the procession to the gravesite. Army Chaplain Romine recited the Special Forces Prayer. The playing of `Taps' followed a military gun salute.
Flags were presented to Sgt. Hornbeck's parents and to each of his daughters.
Next to the gravesite was a small banner with the Latin words "De Oppresso Libre." The motto of U.S. Special Forces, it translates as "To Free the Oppressed."
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