Ronald W. Gebur
Company B 1-22 Infantry 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized)
KIA 05/13/06
Ronald W. Gebur, 23, of Delavan,
Illinois, died of injuries sustained in Baghdad, Iraq,
when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV
during combat operations.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st
Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
**********************
On May 13th,
we lost Specialist Ronald Gebur of 2nd
Platoon while conducting operations along the Tigris River.
There will never be adequate words to express our sorrow and what
he has meant to us since he arrived to the Bears in November of
2004.
He was one of us, fought with us, and will always be with us.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, their young
son,
and their families in Illinois as they grieve for his loss.
We will never forget the sacrifice that he has made
and we will continue to serve with a renewed commitment to seeing
the mission through to a successful end.
Anything else would diminish the sacrifice that our brother has
made.
—Captain Matthew Weber Commanding Officer Company B 1-22 Infantry (Bears), May 15, 2006
**********************
The
past month has been a particularly difficult one for B Company.
We have mourned the loss of Specialist Ronald Gebur on May 13th
and Corporal Bobby West on May 30th.
Specialist Gebur – of 2nd
Platoon – was from Delavan, Illinois and is survived by his
wife Bethany, son Gage, and parents Debra and Larry.
Corporal West – of 3rd
Platoon – was originally from Beebe, Arkansas and is
survived by his parents, Linda and Ricky West.
We gathered on May 19th
and June 6th,
respectively, to pay our final respects and share memories of our
fallen comrades.
We feel their loss deeply, but we continue the mission they have
left behind; we do so looking out for one another,
realizing the best way to thank our brothers in arms is to
succeed in the mission they began with us
and return home to enjoy the comforts of the life for which they
sacrificed their own.
Our thoughts and prayers remain with Specialist Gebur’s and
Corporal West’s families.
-----------------Captain Matthew Weber, Commander Company B 1-22 Infantry, June 15, 2006
**********************
Journal Star -- PEORIA -
Members of an Illinois Army National Guard unit who knew a Delavan man killed over the weekend in Iraq describe him as a "morals and ethics" type of guy. "He was a great guy . . . morals and ethics all right there," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Koslowsky, who served with Spc. Ronald Gebur in the 733rd Quartermaster Battalion, based in Delavan.
Gebur, 23, died Saturday when an explosive device blew up near his Humvee during a patrol in Baghdad, according to the Pentagon.
He leaves behind a wife, who is also in the U.S. Army, and a 9-month-old son.
"He gave the ultimate sacrifice for us," his father, Larry Gebur, said Monday while fighting back tears.
Koslowsky remembered Gebur as someone who enlisted in the National Guard after graduating from Delavan High School in 2002. While with the 733rd, he was a cook, but he had higher aspirations. "All I know, he wanted to go active duty the minute he came in," Koslowsky said. "He wanted to be infantry."
So in 2004, Gebur transferred to the 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas, where he was assigned to 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment. There, he was a platoon leader and a sniper. His unit had just arrived in Iraq for a tour of duty in December.
Master Sgt. Jason Burris was also in the 733rd with Gebur. He remembers him as a friendly guy who always seemed happy. He would volunteer for extra duty and loved the Army.
Deborah Gebur said her son joined the military to follow in the footsteps of his grandfathers, who both served in Korea. "He was very talented. He grew up learning to hunt with his grandfather, so that's how he learned to shoot. He was just so talented. He was a strong man. That's how I remember him," his mother said.
Koslowsky, 34, said he considered Gebur not just another soldier under his command but a close friend as well. They would hang out together after drill sessions. The death has been tough for the sergeant. "I will miss him greatly," he said.
**********************
The Honor Guard carries SPC Ronald Gebur at his funeral.
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
PEKIN — Army Spc. Ronald “Ron” Gebur was a superhero who chose to use his strength for good. He warmed people’s hearts and had this light in his eyes, his sister, Camille Gebur wrote in a letter that was read Tuesday during his funeral.
He was a one-of-a-kind friend with a big heart, dependable and stood up for what he believed in, his best friend, Court Houston said during services.
Gebur, 23, died May 13 when an explosive device blew up near his Humvee during a patrol in Baghdad, according to the Pentagon. His acquaintances, friends and family said they will remember him as an all-American hero.
“God gave him 23 years on this earth. There are people given 100 years who could not accomplish what all Ron Gebur did for us,” Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn said during Tuesday’s services, where a general also presented his widow Tuesday with a Purple Heart and several other medals.
Gebur, formerly of Delavan, liked to do the guy stuff. He enjoyed fishing, four-wheeling, golf, hockey, baseball, and building fires, family members said. He graduated from Delavan High School in 2002 and married Bethany in Aug. 2003. Bethany Gebur’s mother, Karen Boswell, said the couple had a “fairy-tale love” that made others enviable. Ron and Bethany Gebur and their nine-month-old son, Gage, had been living at Fort Hood, Texas, since February. There, Ron Gebur was assigned as a platoon leader and sniper with the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division. His unit travelled to Iraq in December for a tour of duty. “Ron wanted so badly to make a difference,” Boswell said during the funeral.
Brandon Marmion has known Gebur for about five years and said he will remember his permanent smile and unselfish demeanor. “He’s someone you could count on — a fun person to be around,” said Marmion, a former Pekin resident who drove from Tennessee to attend the funeral.
About 50 people stood outside Woolsey Funeral Home hosting American flags as guests arrived, although most of them did not personally know Gebur. They represented the Patriot Guard and Soldier’s Angels, both organizations that support U.S. troops. “We’re out here for honor and respect and to show our support,” said Patriot Guard Jim Wood, of South Pekin. Glenda Spinner drove from Assumption, which is located south of Decatur, to Pekin Tuesday to represent Soldier’s Angels. “It feels good, but sad at the same time because it’s a fallen hero,” Spinner said.
A graveside ceremony at Orendorff Cemetery in Hopedale included a gun salute and an honor guard. Bethany Gebur, a U.S. Army medic dressed in uniform, saluted her husband and sobbed as his casket was carried from a vehicle to the grave.
“He was a good man, a strong person, a loving a caring father, husband, brother and son,” sister Camille Gebur stated. “We will never forget the way he made us all laugh, love and hope for a safer tomorrow.”
Karen McDonald can be reached at 346-5300 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com .
**********************
Hundreds turned out in Pekin to say goodbye to a local soldier Tuesday morning.
Army Spc. Ron Gebur was laid to rest. He was 23. He suffered fatal wounds when a roadside bomb went off in Iraq earlier this month.
Gebur's best friend Court Houston fought back tears as he explained how much he looked up to Gebur. Comrades and friends honored the 2002 graduate of Delavan High School as a hero, for what he stood for and what he fought for.
Even those who didn't know Gebur, stood outside the Woolsey Funeral Home in Pekin with flags in hand. Members of the Patriot Guard also led part of the procession from Pekin through Gebur's hometown of Delavan.
Supporters said this is a hard time for everyone.
"The more support that they can see that is there, the better for them it is because they know that someone actually cares,” AMVETS post 235 Commander Paul Kerby said. “And, that is what we are out here for. It's to show them that we do care."
During funeral services this morning, military members awarded Gebur's wife with her husband's Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.
Hundreds of supporters also came out because the family expected to see anti-war protesters. But, HOI-19 News never spotted any protesters. Ron Gebur leaves behind his wife, a medic in the army, and a nine-month-old son.
**********************
The following was posted in Bob Babcock's 4ID Updates, May 25, 2006:
A Vietnam Vet Reflects on the Funeral of a Fallen Comrade from Iraq
When SPC Ron Gebur of B/1-22 IN
was killed in Iraq, I was quickly contacted by LTC Craig Osborne,
CO of 1-22 IN,
and asked if I could assemble one or more 22nd Infantry
veterans to attend the funeral of SPC Gebur.
I sent out a note to those living within a 150 mile radius of his
hometown and got an immediate response from Mike Lummis,
Vietnam veteran from E/1-22 IN, 4ID, that he
would attend and represent all of us veterans.
Following is the note he sent me the morning after the funeral on
Tuesday. ----------
Good morning. When I retired, one
ritual I began was that of planning my activities for each
upcoming week.
I felt that I needed to accomplish something each and every day
as well as pursue my hobbies and passions.
This morning I awoke both physically and emotionally drained,
I most likely will do nothing today.
I am still drained from SPC Gebur's funeral service
yesterday. I had prepared mentally, I thought.
I wanted to represent 1-22 IN and the 4ID in a most
honorable fashion. I introduced myself to the family the
night before,
offered my condolences on behalf of myself and the 22nd Infantry
veterans. I have a blazer with our crest on the
pocket and I wore my mini CIB.
His widow, a SGT in the US Army Medical Corps, and I
locked gazes as soon as she saw the crest.
A million unspoken words of respect passed between us. I
spoke with his parents, two wonderful people, I spoke with his
sister,
who, being only 15 or 16 I guess, displayed dignity and courage
above and beyond her years.
I spoke with Ron's mother in law and when I mentioned your name
more tears welled in her eyes.
I don't think you realize fully the impact you have on these
people. I had intended on staying longer,
I slipped into the room where the honor guard was assembled,
introduced myself, and felt the immediate, immediate respect they
gave me.
But I was the one who respected them, some of our best and
brightest.
I spent a few minutes in the vicinity of SPC Gebur's
son, nine months old, all boy, with a big grin,
and probably a lot of wonderment on what was all of this going
on? After that I had to leave and did so quietly.
Tuesday morning I arrived early,
fully composed. I watched his wife take their son up to the
open casket and my heart broke once again.
It was a beautiful service, a true religious, military,
and life tribute. As I exited the funeral home, I
saw the men and women
of the Patriots Guard and Fallen Angels at attention with Old
Glory slightly waving in the bright Illinois sunshine.
Across the street I saw what at first glance might be
protesters.
But they were standing quiet and waving flags. They
were private citizens, most of which I doubted even knew SPC
Gebur.
The procession began its 20 mile journey to the
cemetery. In South Pekin, the streets were lined with
people holding flags and saluting.
Even in the open countryside, at virtually every drive way
or house, a flag was flying and people were silently showing
their respects.
The procession entered the small town of Delavan Illinois, where
SPC Gebur had graduated from high school.
The whole town lined the highway of this perfect model of small
town America. And that is when the emotions overcame me.
I have cried once since I left
Vietnam, at the dedication of the 4th Inf. marker in D.C.
But when I drove by a pack of Cub Scouts,
uniformed and standing at attention as only an eight year old
can, the tears began.
I was by myself, between the tinted windshield of my car and my
sunglasses, no one saw my tears.
They were tears for SPC Gebur, his wonderful family,
for 1-22 IN and the 4th Infantry Division, and for the
United States of America.
Following the committal service, it was announced that the
family wanted some private time alone.
Silently and respectfully 500 or so people turned and walked back
to their cars.
I was leaving the cemetery when a young
SFC from Ft Hood came by my car.
I rolled down my window pointed to my shoulder and said,
"Steadfast and Loyal". He responded with a
"HOOAH" and a salute.
I quickly rolled up my window and started down the dusty drive of
this little country cemetery.
Though the road under my tires was dry, my cheeks once again had
salty tears running down them.
CPT Litherland (Escort Officer) is an exceptional officer.
His task has to be among the most challenging of the 4th
Div.
He and all the 4ID and 1-22 IN currently serving reaffirm my
belief
that the small miniscule part I had in the Vietnam conflict
was time spent with the best units the US Army has to offer.
Memorial Day is nearly upon us, we must never forget.
Mike Lummis, E/1-22 IN, 4ID - Vietnam 1969-1970
In an e-mail to the webmaster of this site Mike added:
Every Memorial Day is special to me as
I am sure it is to you but this one is going to hurt a little
deeper.
I am getting older and I find my admiration and respect for these
young warriors
all of whom who have volunteered is growing.
............................................................................
------------ And
the mother and father of the B/1-22 IN company commander in Iraq
also attended the funeral of their son's fallen Soldier.
Here is what she had to say
... My husband and I
traveled to Pekin, IL this week to attend the funeral of SPC Ron
Gebur, at the request of our son.
I am sure that although we introduced ourselves to the parents,
grandparents, and wife that no one there will remember who
we were
or that we were even there, but it was important to us to fulfill
our son's wishes to represent him there. The
service was both moving and inspirational.
We were impressed with the Patriot Guard and the number of armed
forces (of all kinds) who were in attendance.
The 27 mile trip from the funeral home to the cemetery was
inspiring. All along the route folks were out on their
lawns, the side walks,
on horses, along side their cars, etc. saluting or standing at
attention with hand over heart as we passed.
Signs praising and blessing our Soldiers were also
visible. I spoke with the rear detachment commander
CPT Litherland
who was taking care of things in Pekin while his family was
burying his mother in Dallas. The strength of these
Soldiers and families is truly amazing!
I just wanted you to know that the last couple of days I have
felt an overwhelming sense of pride ... pride in my son, what he
is doing,
the group of people of which he is but one, and pride in a
country that is trying to do what is right. Faltering at
times, but TRYING to do the right thing.
God bless them (us) all!
I see now where you get some of your strength to continue to do such a wonderful job ... out of loyalty and love ... not duty.
............................................................................
------------ And the sister-in-law of the 1-22 IN battalion commander also attended the funeral...
I too went
to SPC Gebur’s funeral and visitation and I was overcome
with emotions myself! On the procession from the funeral
home to the cemetery,
I was “happy” to see so many flags and the
respect that was shown by ordinary citizens to Ron’s family
and friends.
I have only heard of these protests at Soldier’s funerals
and I was concerned about them showing up at the funeral
but all of my concerns were dashed as I exited the funeral home
and saw the barrier of American flags.
As I stood next to the “leader” of the Patriot
Guards, I asked him if he had seen any protestors. His
response was, and I quote,
“They won’t be here !” I don’t know
what he meant exactly, but relief came over me....
I wish that I could somehow replay all of the special moments for
Ron’s friends and fellow Soldiers in Iraq!
**********************
At the 4th Infantry Division memorial service held on
June 15, 2006,
Ronald was remembered by PVT David Chamberlin:
Spc. Ronald W. Gebur, father
of an infant son, loved baseball and liked to watch wrestling on
TV, said his friend Pvt. David Chamberlin.
Gebur, who served with the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry
Regiment, died May 13 after a roadside bomb exploded
near his Humvee.
He was remembered for his upbeat personality and for being a good
listener.
"I'd like to say thank you, Ron, for all the memories and
for all you taught me," Chamberlin said through tears as he
looked toward heaven.
**********************
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