Tulsa World: Tulsa soldier mourned

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Tulsa soldier mourned

Tresa Thompson (left), mother of Army Cpl. Stephen Scott Thompson, 23, receives the flag that draped her son's casket during graveside funeral services at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens on Monday. SHERRY BROWN/Tulsa World

By MANNY GAMALLO World Staff Writer
Published: 2/24/2009 2:25 AM
Last Modified: 2/25/2009 7:58 AM

View a memorial to the Oklahomans who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Several hundred family and friends came together Monday to celebrate the life of a young soldier whose infectious smile radiated to all those who knew him.

Army Cpl. Stephen Scott Thompson, 23, was killed on Feb. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, according to the Rev. Larry Delay, pastor of Bixby's Crossroads Fellowship.

Delay told mourners gathered at Asbury United Methodist Church that Thompson was a wonderful young man who loved to hunt and fish, but most of all loved to be around people.

The pastor said Thompson had joined the military to make something of himself, and "he did that," noting that the soldier had even decided to make a career out of the military.

Delay opened the service by asking those who knew Thompson to comment, and several spoke.

A staff representative from Memorial High School, where Thompson graduated from in 2004, was one of those, saying "We're all proud of him."

Among them was Sara Wilson from Fort Hood, near Killeen, Texas, who considered the young soldier a member of her family.

"He was an amazing young man," she told mourners.

She noted that Thompson and her husband, Sgt. Joseph Wilson, were very close, and both were serving together in Iraq when he was shot in Baghdad.

Thompson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division based at Fort Hood.

The unit had deployed to Iraq last March and was due to return home in a matter of weeks.

Brig. Gen. Ross Ridge, deputy commander at Fort Sill, said he never had the honor of knowing Thompson, but others who did spoke highly of him.

Ridge said Thompson enlisted in the Army on June 27, 2006, and completed his basic training soon after at Fort Sill.

The general said Thompson "constantly exuded enthusiasm," and he had a deep respect for duty and love of country.

Ridge said Thompson was promoted to corporal last October.

He described that moment as a "seminal event" in the young man's career.

The general noted that most of the soldiers around Thompson were ranked as specialists, with hopes someday of leadership roles by rising to sergeants.

"Stephen was the exception," Ridge said, noting the promotion to corporal.

"He relished in the opportunity to lead men," Ridge said, "and he sought more responsibility."

To his comrades, Ridge said, Thompson "was an instant friend and confidante."

"He was a person everyone loved to be around and everyone enjoyed being with" him, Ridge said.

"He made people laugh, and it was probably that infectious smile that drew people to him," Ridge said.

Ridge noted Thompson's commitment to his comrades during his leave from Iraq just before Christmas.

Even while he was at home with his family, Thompson's thoughts were thousands of miles away to his fellow soldiers, still in harm's way, and he felt the need to return to them quickly, Ridge said.

"Sadly, Stephen has joined the multiple ranks of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

"Let us remember how he lived," Ridge said, "how he made us stronger for knowing him, and his commitment to this great nation."

Under a cloudy sky and a chilly, buffeting wind, mourners gathered at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens and watched silently as Army pallbearers from Fort Sill escorted Thompson's flag-draped coffin to its grave site.

An honor guard from Fort Sill then fired off rifle volleys in his honor, followed by the playing of taps by an Army bugler.

Ridge ceremoniously folded two flags and presented to Thompson's mother, Tresa, and then to his father, Philip.

In addition to his parents, the soldier is survived by brothers Austin and Christopher, both of Tulsa.

Thompson's awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon.

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Manny Gamallo 581-8386
manny.gamallo@tulsaworld.com By MANNY GAMALLO World Staff Writer

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Some reader comments for this story were copied from "Soldier described as 'instant friend and confidante' laid to rest in Tulsa," which was published on 2/23/2009.

	Report Comment LocalBoy, B.A. (2/23/2009 5:37:11 PM) Wishing the greatest of blessings for this brave young man and his family, friends, and all other brave soldiers of our country.
	Report Comment Major...Missy, little town (2/23/2009 7:54:49 PM) My condolences to the family,we appreciate your son.
	Report Comment eej, Brooklyn, NY (2/23/2009 9:35:58 PM) He's in a better place now. God be with the Thompsons and everyone in harms way
	Report Comment chase, rogers county (2/24/2009 6:43:52 AM) Sorry I could not attend this service I was out of town,but the guard was well represented,My prayers are with the family.
	Report Comment fisherwoman, (2/24/2009 7:46:25 AM) To the family of Cpl. Stephen Scott Thompson: thank you ALL for YOUR service to our Country. YOURS is the ultimate sacrifice, as well as your Stephen's and I am grateful and remembering you in my prayers and not just today. May God bring comfort to your hearts now and for the years to come.
	Report Comment Floyd R Turbo, Boondocks (2/24/2009 8:29:36 AM) This seems a good spot to praise the made-for-HBO movie "Taking Chance." I pray that Corporal Thompson has been treated with the same dignity,and respect..honor that PFC Chance Phelps was. (and I hope Kevin Bacon wins an Emmy.) May the latest be the last.
	Report Comment michael andrew, pryor (2/24/2009 8:43:43 AM) may god bless this family in their time of sorrow... but, know in your hearts, that 99.9% of americans appreciate his service & his dedication to our great country.... this man will truly have a special place in heaven! may god bless you & may you find comfort in the hollow of his hand.... your son did not die in vain..
	Report Comment TulGal, Tulsa (2/24/2009 8:45:10 AM) Keep The Change: Why do you read the TW?
	Report Comment lucky girl, (2/24/2009 8:49:52 AM) Thank you for your service and God bless the family!
	Report Comment LocalBoy, B.A. (2/24/2009 10:02:09 AM) KTC, That is totally without character. This is not the place for that kind of commentary.
	Report Comment J3SS!CA, Sh0NkA (2/24/2009 11:57:38 AM) Bless this family. Thanks for all you did for me and my family. R.I.P
	Report Comment Angry oil worker, tulsa (2/24/2009 12:10:03 PM) God speed Army Cpl. Stephen Scott Thompson. My prayer to your family. Thank you for all you have done for our country and families. Semper Fi
	Report Comment Trinity, Tulsa (2/24/2009 1:22:54 PM) I'm so sorry for your loss. The pain is far greater than most can even imagine when it is your child whatever their age. I and many others are keeping your family in our prayers. Your son was a hero. Thank you Army Cpt. Stephen Thompson for your service and your sacrifice.
	Report Comment justpete, (2/24/2009 4:06:43 PM) RIP Warrior.
	Report Comment TulGal, Tulsa (2/24/2009 4:56:22 PM) Thanks TW... for removing the remark of Keep the Change.
	Report Comment God Bless our Troops, Small town (2/24/2009 5:57:21 PM) God bless his family during this time. Your sons death was not in vein!!!
	Report Comment ThereNow, Tulsa (2/24/2009 8:39:13 PM) Please continue to keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. God Bless Cpl. Thompson for the sacrifice he made for all of us.

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