Bolingbrook Ft. Hood Victim Laid To Rest

To the sweet sounds of Jimi Hendrix' version of the Star Spangled Banner, hundreds poured into the Dames Funeral Home in Joliet, Illinois to pay their final respects to 22 year-old U.S. Army Private First Class Michael Pearson Saturday.

Inside, Governor Pat Quinn spoke to Pearson's family and friends.

"This is a profoundly sad day for our state and for our country," the governor said.

Kristopher Craig, talked about the kind of man his brother was and described his last moments.

"Thursday, November 5th, 2009 began normally for Private First Class Michael Pearson, his family and friends. At 1:30 p.m. at Fort Hood, all of our lives were shattered. Mike was gunned down with several others as he was waiting in line for booster shots," Craig said.

"After seven hours of surgery in which he fought valiantly to live, he made the transition from this lifetime."

PFC Pearson, who had only been in the Army for a year, was set to deploy to Iraq war in January. But before heading to Iraq, he was planning to spend Christmas with his family at their home in Bolingbrook, Illinois.

They said he was excited about coming home, but even more excited about serving his country.
Mourners who didn't even know Pearson said they were shocked by his death on American soil and they couldn't help but come pay their respects.

"We're here to support this family, and we're here to support all the men and women who serve in the forces," said Bob Stapleton, who has a son serving in the Air Force.

"Our country needs all the support it can get right now," said Teri Trizna.

Friends said Micheal Pearson will be remembered as a kind, calm, quiet guy, a man of few words who expressed himself through art and his music.

PFC Pearson was buried at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.
His family recieved two medals of honor from the Army on his behalf. The good conduct medal is for exemplary behavior and the Army commendation medal is for meritorious service.