Family, friends, and appreciative Americans came out to honor Captain Andrew Pearson Saturday.
Pearson was one of two American soldiers who died April 30th in Baghdad when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle.
Captain Pearson's father Ron said his son was living a dream as an officer in the United States Army and as a husband and father.
Several family members joined a procession on the courthouse lawn.
Major General Randy Mosley passed gratitude and sorrow to the family from his son who served with Captain Pearson.
Ron Pearson says Drew worked hard to get into West Point which helped him become a leader.
Ron Pearson says, "On his last tour, his wish was granted. As company commander of the first battalion, 22nd infantry, he was ready to lead his men into battle. He was such happy and proud and loving father and you could see the happiness and love in the children's eyes."
Ron Pearson says he's looking forward to meeting his son's fellow soldiers at Fort Hood, Texas at a memorial on May 15th.
On May 20th, Captain Pearson's body will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, Senator Jon Tester, Congressman Denny Rehberg, and Yellowstone County Commissioners John Ostlund and Bill Kennedy all attended Saturday's afternoon's service.
(From May 2, 2008)
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff on Friday and Saturday to honor a Billings soldier killed in Iraq.
U.S. Army Captain Andrew Pearson, 32, was one of two American soldiers killed on April 30th in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle.
A memorial service is set for 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at the War Memorial by the Yellowstone County Courthouse. The Patriot Guard will then lead a procession up North 27th Street and down Highway 3, to the ranch of Len and Linda Fink.
Another memorial is scheduled for May 15th at Fort Hood, Texas and Pearson will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been set up for the family at Western Security Bank.
A Billings soldier killed in Iraq will be remembered at a memorial service Saturday in Billings.
Army captain Andrew Pearson, 32, was one of two American soldiers who died on April 30th in Baghdad, after an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle.
Friends and family are encouraging military personnel to wear their dress uniforms for Saturday's memorial at the War Memorial by the Yellowstone County courthouse at 3:00 p.m.
After the memorial, the Patriot guard will lead a procession up North 27th street and down Highway 3 to the ranch of Len and Linda Fink.
Another memorial will be held in Fort Hood, Texas on May 15.
Pearson will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
A memorial fund has been set up for the family at Western Security Bank.
Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that the National flag and State flag be flown at half-staff beginning Friday, May 9th and ending Saturday, May 10th at sundown in honor of Pearson.
(From May 3, 2008)
Memorial services have been set for next Saturday for a Billings soldier who was killed in Iraq this week.
Captain Andrew Pearson, 32, was one of two American soldiers who died on April 30th in Baghdad after an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle.
Pearson is a 2001 graduate of West Point and deployed to Iraq in March. Pearson was highly decorated, earning the Bronze Star, the US Army's Ranger tab and the Expert Infantryman badge.
Memorial services in Billings are scheduled for Saturday, May 10th at the War Memorial, by the Yellowstone County Courthouse at 3:00 p.m.
Another memorial will be held in Fort Hood, Texas on May 15th and Pearson will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
(from May 2, 2008)
The Department of Defense has now confirmed that a highly decorated soldier from Billings was killed earlier this week in Iraq.
The soldier has been identified as Captain Andrew Pearson, 32.
Pearson was one of two American soldiers who died April 30th in Baghdad after an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle.
Pearson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
He was most recently deployed to Iraq as part of the 4th Infantry Division based out of Fort Hood Texas.
Pearson was highly decorated; earning the bronze star in addition to the Army's Ranger Tab, Airborne, Air Assault School, and the Expert Infantryman Badge.
Lt. Col. Garth Scott with the Montana National Guard says a casualty assistance officer is spending time with Pearson's father, Ron Pearson, in Billings.
Colonel Scott says Captain Pearson is a father of four children. He's been assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team under the 4th Infantry Division since February 2007.
The Department of Defense has announced that a Billings solider has been killed while serving in Iraq.
According to the Defense Department, Captain Andrew. R. Pearson, 32, of Billings died April 30th in Baghdad from wounds suffered when a vehicle he was in encountered an improvised explosive device.
Specialist Ronald J. Tucker, 21, of Fountain, Colorado also died in the incident.
The two were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
Officials say that Pearson's father has been notified about the death and that members of the Montana National Guard are "working with the family through this difficult time".
The U.S. Military Academy says that Pearson graduated from West Point in 2001.
