Old River-Winfree Wounded Warrior

 
Pfc Wesley R. Riggs

In Loving Memory

of

Pfc Wesley R. Riggs

 

A Fallen Hero of Iraqi Freedom

 

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We will Never Forget!!

 

 

This Run/Walk is held in Loving Memory of PFC Wesley R. Riggs, beloved son of Ms. Gayle McDermott and Mr. Daniel Riggs, and graduate of Barbers Hill High School. 

Wesley Riggs was a "quiet presence," a pensive man with blue eyes that would put Paul Newman to shame. "It made you wonder what he was up to," said family friend BJ McCoy.  Growing up on the Gulf Coast, Wesley Riggs was always fond of the water and frequently went rafting with friends. He loved working on cars, fishing, camping and riding dirt bikes. He was a connoisseur of "Southern fun," said BJ's husband, Gary. Riggs and his cohorts would tear through the closest mud field in a big-wheeled truck. "They would go muddin' or riding any kind of motorized anything that could go fast," McCoy said. "They could make a party out of just about any day." He finished high school in 2003 after just three years. His decision to join the military was "an organized plan," said his stepmother, Vicki Riggs. "He was a real Southerner," she said. "And he was raised by two Yankees."

Pfc. Wesley R. Riggs, 19, of Baytown, Texas died May 17 in Tikrit, Iraq, from injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted position. Riggs was assigned to the Army's 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3d Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.

Wesley came home to rest at the National Cemetery in Houston, Texas May 25, 2005. At the Mass, Wesley's family received Wesley's two commendations — the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.  He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and Army ServMarching Onice Ribbon.  Our Hero was given full military honor funeral that rivaled the funeral of President Reagan.  

The duly elected representatives and senators of Texas rallied round the family!  A flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in Wes' honor.  This same flag was then delivered to the family at a town Memorial for Wes that Sunday by a Texas representative.

Representative Ted Poe on June 5, 2005 was recognized by the House to give tribute and honor to Pfc Wesley R. Riggs.  Please read below.

The soldiers in his division had a memorial in Iraq and told stories of Wes and their thoughts!  It's is extremely hard on the ones still fighting on in a fallen soldier's division.  God Bless them and all the others serving around the world from all countries fighting for and protecting freedom! 

Wes took great pride in serving his country in Iraq.  It was what he wanted to do.  His main concern was the children, where most have newspapers for shoes.

A Memorial has been set up in Beach City for him. 

This is a great cause, so everyone join in through participation in the event, sponsoring a child, sponsoring an event, or volunteering to help. We have something for everyone to do.

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Pfc Wesley R. Riggs

 

 

Congressional Record > Jun 7, 2005

 

The United States House of Representative

Jun 7, 2005

Section 31

In This Section...

Rep. Poe [R-TX]: "I don't do it for the money ..... I don't do it for the glory ..... Providing for our future is my responsibility ..... I can't call in sick on Mondays when the...

Record Text

Chair: Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) is recognized for 5 minutes.

Rep. Ted Poe [R-TX]: "I don't do it for the money ..... I don't do it for the glory ..... Providing for our future is my responsibility ..... I can't call in sick on Mondays when the weekend has been too strong. I just work straight through the holidays and sometimes all night long. You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door ..... I am solid ..... I am steady ..... I am true down to the core ..... I'm an American soldier."

Words from Toby Keith's "American Soldier."

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of a young American soldier, Private First Class Wesley Robert Riggs, who died serving our Nation in Iraq. Private First Class Riggs, in only 19 years, had exhibited a lifetime of dedication and duty. He was killed during a patrol on May 17, 2005, near Tikrit, Iraq, when a roadside bomb exploded.

He was a native of Baytown/Beach City, Texas. Wesley graduated in 3 years from Barbers Hill High School in 2003. He was active in the Future Farmers of America. To Wesley's Ag teachers, he was well devoted to the curriculum and is remembered for his skills in Ag Mechanics and Meats Technology. They recall his love of fishing, hunting and anything outdoors.

Before enlisting in the United States Army in 2004, Wesley spent his days like many other young Texans. He enjoyed hanging around with friends and working on cars. He liked four-wheeling and camping. He was also a member of the Houston Olympic weight lifting team.

He attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Mt. Belvieu, Texas. Reverend Andrew Moore, Wesley's Pastor at Holy Trinity, recalls a dedicated young man that was extremely motivated and driven. He dreamed of a career in law enforcement after his years in the military.

A number of his band of brothers in the military paid tribute to Wesley at his funeral service. Others commemorated him at his memorial service that I was able to attend this past Memorial Day weekend. They all spoke of a comrade who illustrated exemplary service.

To date, Mr. Speaker, in Operation Iraqi Freedom, our United States Army alone has lost 93 Texans in combat-related casualties. It is interesting to note that one out of every ten Americans in the United States military comes from the Lone Star State.

Our military cannot replace individuals of such exceptional character as Private First Class Riggs. However, his service will provide a stirring example for the men and women who carry forward his tenacious fight against tyranny, terror and treachery.

Moreover, Private First Class Riggs helped to establish a democracy, the historic start of which I was privileged to witness in Iraq this past January. Freedom does not come, Mr. Speaker, because somebody carries a sign in protest. It comes because of sacrifice.

So if today we could hear from Private First Class Wesley Riggs himself, as a member once and always of the United States Army, as a member of the Infantry, called "the Queen of Battle," he would resonate the remainder of Toby Keith's "American Soldier:"

"And I always will do my duty, no matter what the price. I have counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice ..... I don't want to die for you, but if dying is asked of me, I will bear that cross with honor, cause freedom don't come free ..... I am out here on the front line. Sleep in peace tonight ..... I am an American Soldier, an American, an American Soldier."

Private First Class Riggs might also hear the words that were spoken many years ago regarding the band of brothers in Henry V. He could say, inspired by Shakespeare, "For he that sheds his blood with me is my brother. From this day to the ending of the world. But we in it shall be remembered, we few, we happy few, we band of brothers."

Private First Class Riggs, we will not forget you, an Army of one. He received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Army Service Ribbon. We thank you, Private First Class Riggs, for your service, your dedication and sacrifice to your country.

 

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