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Slain Army Soldier buried at Barrancas
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Pensacola News Journal, September 29th, 2008
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September 26, 2008
Slain Army soldier buried at Barrancas
Comrades, loved ones give final honor to Escambia High graduate
Troy Moon
tmoon@pnj.com
You could hear the hearts breaking.
You could hear it in the cries that filled the westside church, as an estimated 200 people paid somber tribute to a leader, a son, a father, a friend, and, until his last breath, an American soldier.
Army Staff Sgt. Darris J. Dawson, 24, was buried Thursday at Barrancas National Cemetery following a service at Warrington Church of Christ.
Dawson, a 2001 graduate of Escambia High School, was killed Sept. 14 in Tunnis, Iraq. He was shot by a fellow soldier who is in custody, but whose name has not yet been released by military authorities. Also killed in the shooting was Army Sgt. Wesley Durbin, 26, of Hurst, Texas.
As U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla, watched from the pews, Dawson's commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, promised that Dawson's memory and contributions to the United States will never be forgotten.
"He lived with, served with, fought with, loved and was loved back by a group of brothers and sisters in the U.S. Army," said Cucolo, commander of the Third Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga. "At a memorial service (in Iraq), younger soldiers said he was like a big brother, and the older soldiers said he was like a son."
Cucolo promised that every soldier who walks the grounds of Fort Stewart will know of Dawson's sacrifice and dedication to country.
On the morning of Oct. 16, an Eastern Redbud tree will be planted in Dawson's honor at the hallowed Warrior's Walk, a memorial to fallen soldiers at Fort Stewart. The tree and an accompanying memorial stone will bear testament to Dawson's service.
"He was proud of his service to the country, very proud," said childhood friend Dan Moorer, 30, of Pensacola, who last saw Dawson during the summer when the soldier returned home for a visit. "The Army matured him and turned him into an outstanding young man."
Dawson is survived by four young children, none older than 4 years old. He is also survived by his wife, Latasha Dawson of Hinesville, Ga.; his mother, Stephanie Dawson of New York; his father, Darryl Mathis of Pensacola and stepmother, Maxine Mathis of Pensacola; two grandmothers; and numerous brothers, sisters and friends.
His sister, Shirlena Dawson, of Pensacola read a poem at the service that she wrote for her big brother.
Her voice breaking, her body sagging, she struggled through tears to express her love and hurt:
"We live on in life," she said. "We live on in peace. We live on, so we must pass on. We live on, to go to a better place. My brother is gone; Resting in the arms of the Lord. ... We all will miss you, family and friends. I just wish it wasn't the end."
Afterward, members of the Patriot Guard — a civilian honor guard composed mainly of Vietnam War veterans — led a lengthy caravan to Barrancas National Cemetery for a graveside service. A man parked at a side street just off Navy Boulevard, left his car and held his hand over his heart as the caravan passed.
Col. Tom James, commander of the 4th Brigade Combat Team that Dawson was assigned to, promised that Dawson's memory will live on. He said the warriors and infantry fighters who trained with and under Dawson are better soldiers because of him, and his leadership skills will prepare them for any future adversity.
"They're better soldiers, better leaders and better men and women having served with him," said James, who returned from Iraq this week to attend the service. "The commitment to his fellow soldiers, you could see it in his eyes."
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