Oregon Lays a Hero to Rest (VIDEO)

Hate protestors from Kansas stayed home, getting cold feet rightfully influenced by the thousands of veterans on hand. Oregon is the first state to intimidate them out of attending, many hope it isn't the last.

(REDMOND) - Oregon laid a hero to rest Saturday. U.S. Army Private First Class Thomas Tucker of Madras, Oregon was killed in Iraq. He was a member of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Tom Tucker was loved by thousands in this rural central Oregon community.

It was a sad, yet triumphant day for Oregonians, who celebrated this hero’s life while guarding and insuring the honor that he earned on the battlefield.

There are few people who have not heard the name Thomas Tucker. His friend, Pfc. Kristian Menchaca was also captured and later killed in Iraq. A third soldier was immediately killed when their outpost was attacked.

The Army still isn't saying why they put four soldiers in such a dangerous, vulnerable position.

Members of the Oregon Veteran’s Motorcycle Association have been escorting the remains of soldiers in Oregon and Washington consistently since the first Gulf War.

Along with members of the Patriot Guard, A.B.A.T.E. and several other motorcycle clubs and organizations turned to attend the service and pay tribute.

One of the reasons the motorcycle riders turned out in such strong numbers, might be the announcement that an anti-gay hate group was coming from Kansas to protest the funeral.

The Westboro Baptist Church out of Topeka Kansas is led by the notorious reverend Fred Phelps. They announced their plans to protest at Thomas Tucker’s service last week. An anti-gay hate group, they operate a Web site called godhatesfags.com and picket and harass the families of fallen soldiers and Marines carrying signs that read “Thank God for dead soldiers."

Salem-News.com broke the story last week, and Deschutes County Commissioners sprang into action, deciding that the protestors would be kept in the parking lot. Interviewed numerous times by national news, their allegation is that God is punishing the United States for condoning homosexuality.

Right wing talk show hosts like Sean Hannity and Lars Larson, inadvertently joined forces with progressive voices in condemning the actions of the group. The hate group's off the wall rhetoric has been truly anti-polarizing for millions of Americans, who realize that middle ground is indeed in sight if you look for it.

When Saturday rolled around, Oregonians learned that they had what it took to give the hate group cold feet, and the Westboro Baptist Church was a no-show.

During the service, Oregon’s Governor Ted Kulongoski spoke to the crowd at length about Tom Tucker’s accomplishments, and how much his legacy will mean to not just those he left behind in Madras, but to all Oregonians, and all Americans.

The fallen soldier and former firefighter’s sister told a story about how Tom approached a new kid on the first day of school to be sure he knew where he classes were.

She said her brother always lived at a level that was above and beyond the call, helping others whenever possible.

Tom Tucker’s story is one that has been played out in this small Oregon town time and time again in history. WW1, WWII, Korea, and in another conflict that never strays too far from the minds of Americans called Vietnam. Then there is Desert Storm.

The bikers say they will make it to every soldier’s funeral, guarding and protecting their legacy, a legacy that they as veterans understand. They stress that it isn’t about politics at this point, it is only about honoring our own.

And they hope that Oregon’s turnout, one so bold and strong that it kept a group of protestors who travel the nation at bay, sends a message around the nation that disrespect has no place at a hero’s funeral.

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Comments

Comments are Closed on this story.

Rachelle August 31, 2007 11:46 am (Pacific time)

I grew up in Madras...graduated with Tom. He was a good guy and will be missed by many. I carry a gold star in my window for you Tom...and thank you for defending our freedom.

Tim King April 23, 2007 1:53 am (Pacific time)

Amen to that sister~

Epicwoman April 23, 2007 1:52 am (Pacific time)

It's late at night, sadly I'm working on another mission and got to thinking of this young man, his family, friends and community who miss him everyday. Thomas Tucker, you are not forgotten. With care, Epicwoman Oregon State Patriot Guard Riders, Ride Captain

Autmen Leaves November 9, 2006 9:04 pm (Pacific time)

Thomas Tucker, was an amazing man who I got to meet last year. I got to shake this man's hand and I will never forget his warm greeting..God Bless you!!

carlos October 15, 2006 1:19 am (Pacific time)

GOD BLESS ALL THIS MEN THAT TO ME ARE CONSIDERED AS REAL MEN FIGHT FOR FREEDOM GOD BLESS THEIR FAMILIES!

Scott Richardson, Culver, Or September 12, 2006 7:40 pm (Pacific time)

I see it has been a while since anyone has left a message in a while! Just one more to say YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN TOMMY!

Anonymous September 7, 2006 12:06 pm (Pacific time)

I just watched the video and was moved, and yet ashamed that the hate group is from my town. We have been dealing with them for over decade, this new low of theirs is just disgusting.

An American July 12, 2006 7:07 am (Pacific time)

Thomas Tucker died a horrible death. I don't know how the administration can live with themselves sending young people to die for oil.

Geoff July 5, 2006 10:32 am (Pacific time)

Tim, thank you for providing coverage on this. PFC Tucker was a good friend of some of my family members in the Madras area. We not only said goodbye to a great person in this but we also avoided a huge protest at the same time. I truly believe your coverage on this aided in some way to the peaceful celebration of this young mans life. Never taken for granted and never forgotten are the achievements of our military.... Semper Fi!

Hedy, mother of military cad July 4, 2006 5:40 pm (Pacific time)

May the Lord's peace fill the family of this brave, honorable, and kind young man. May we overcome evil with good and always pray for those who have paid the highest price possible in bringing goodness to this world. Our prayers are offered up for you, our tears flow for you.

Wounded heart SGT July 4, 2006 11:50 am (Pacific time)

My heart goes out to the families. I am a memeber of these two soldiers unit and I am so sorry we couldn't get to them in time.. May God continue to watch over the families of both soldiers. To both PFC Tucker and PFC Menchaca Look down on us and shine the light for your brothers and sisters of 101st. God's Speed. You are my hero's!!

Elle Helmer July 4, 2006 4:41 am (Pacific time)

Hero....semper fi and endless love.

Epicwoman July 4, 2006 2:23 am (Pacific time)

We want the Tucker family to know that the Patriot Guard Riders would have been there, regardless of any uninvited guests. We were not there to protest or counter protest, we were there out of respect to PFC Thomas Tucker. We had riders from as far away as Vermont and NH, riders from most of the western United States gather together with one purpose in mind. To honor the fallen hero and shield and protect the family from any that would disrupt their service. This was a difficult week for Oregon, as we laid to rest Corporal Robert Jones, and PFC Thomas Tucker. God bless and keep their memory alive and their sacrifice for our country remebered. Epicwoman Oregon State Patriot Guard Ride Captain

Anonymous July 3, 2006 3:31 pm (Pacific time)

Absolutely sad, guess it just had to be that way. Great tribute to an obviously great person, Tom Tucker.

Tim King former Marine July 3, 2006 12:51 pm (Pacific time)

I couldn't agree more Richard, it was a moving experience. Thomas Tucker is a true hero and he will be missed and remembered by many. All of our hearts break for the Tucker family. Semper fi!

Richard P .Strickland, MSgt, July 3, 2006 12:30 pm (Pacific time)

I rode over to the memorial just to say thanx and pay my respects to this young man and his family. We are the strongest nation on this earth because of men like Thomas Tucker. Semper Fi..............

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