Associated Press
CLOVIS — Hundreds of eastern New Mexico residents lined streets along the funeral procession and waved flags Monday to show respect for fallen Clovis soldier Leroy Segura Jr. and his family.
The 23-year-old Army sergeant died Aug. 4 from injuries sustained when his military vehicle overturned in Habbaniyah, Iraq. A memorial service was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Segura was later buried in Fort Sumner.
Outside Sacred Heart, about 70 Patriot Guard Riders — mostly motorcycle riders whose main mission is to attend the funerals of soldiers killed in conflict — formed a wall around the church.
''We are here to support the family of the fallen soldier,'' said Byron Cross, with his motorcycle behind him.
Other supporters — most of whom had never met Segura — lined entire blocks in Clovis and Fort Sumner. Along Sumner Avenue, a band of residents shouldered heavy flags as cold rain drizzled down.
''We respect what the soldiers are doing,'' said Miki McRee of Fort Sumner.
Margaret Romero and her four young sons held banners and flags in Clovis.
''This hits home,'' she said, explaining that her brother, a Marine, deploys next month.
Segura was serving his second tour in Iraq and had received the Purple Heart for injuries received there in 2004. At Monday's service, his family was presented with a Bronze Star for his latest tour.
''His sincere desire to bring sincerity to the (region of Iraq) is an example to which all service men and women aspire,'' a soldier told Segura's parents as the honor was presented.
Gov. Bill Richardson ordered flags around the state to fly at half-staff through sundown Tuesday. In his executive order, the governor said Segura's patriotism, bravery and dedication will always be remembered.
''The thoughts and prayers of the people of New Mexico go out to his family as well as a heartfelt thank you for his courageous service,'' Richardson said.
Members of a Kansas church group that has made headlines for protesting at military funerals nationwide had plans to appear at Segura's funeral, but community members said no one from the fundamentalist Westboro Baptist Church showed up Monday.
Mayor David Lansford had urged people to line the funeral procession in support of Segura's family. His call was answered as residents showed up with flags and banners, including some that read: ''God Bless You,'' and ''American Hero, Thank You.''
Segura worked as a 21C, or a bridge crew member, in Iraq. His duties included helping other soldiers by providing bridge and rafting support.
Friends have said Segura, a 2001 graduate of Clovis High School, had an opportunity to attend college on a cross country scholarship, but he chose the Army. Segura joined in 2002 and arrived at Fort Benning, Ga., in June.
Segura is survived by his parents Leroy and Sandra Segura; his sister, Michele; and brothers Jake and Symon.
___
Information from: Clovis News Journal, www.cnjonline.com
news 
...go to bookmarks
E-mail Story
Print Friendly
