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Memorial: Brigade pays tribute to fallen comrade

Feb-16-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

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MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune

MOSUL, Iraq - Stryker brigade soldiers remembered their comrade Christopher Bunda on Sunday as one of their best - a skilled infantryman, a natural leader and a devoted husband, father and son.

The 29-year-old staff sergeant was "someone I aspire to be," said his company commander, Capt. Armando Riveron, "a true warrior."

Soldiers from the Fort Lewis brigade's 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment gathered in a banquet hall at the Mosul presidential palace to honor the fallen squad leader. Bunda drowned Jan. 25 after his boat capsized in the Tigris River.

Navy divers recovered his remains Tuesday after a 17-day search.

The brigade Friday also recovered the body of a helicopter pilot missing since Jan. 25 after his OH-58D Kiowa Warrior crashed into the river during the search for Bunda. Local residents found Lt. Adam Mooney's remains and alerted U.S. authorities, brigade officials said.


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