Brandon Twp.- Douglas P. Newberry, one of the area’s first soldiers to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom, died April 7, three years after returning from a one-year stint in Iraq.
He was 22.
The 2002 Brandon High School graduate enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 14, 2002 and was stationed at Ft. Benning, Ga. where he was trained as a paratrooper, gunner and Humvee operator before deployment to Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy where the 173rd Airborne Brigade is stationed.
Newberry was part of the first strikes in Operation Iraqi Freedom on March 27, 2003. On March 28, U.S.-led ground forces crossed the borders into Iraq heading toward Baghdad, the Iraqi capital.
‘His conviction and dedication to his country and the events of 9-11 was his motivation to join (the service),? Charles Newberry, Douglas? father, told The Citizen shortly after his son deployed to Iraq.
Douglas Newberry completed his duty to the U.S. Army in August 2004. After returning home, he worked for a landscaping company in Richmond. He had recently begun work with the American Cancer Society, participating in walks and relays to raise funds for the organization. He was also planning to pursue a degree from Northwest University to become a heating and cooling specialist.
‘He was a loving, caring individual,? said Charles Newberry. ‘He loved children and had solid family values. He will be missed dearly.?
Besides his father, Douglas Newberry is survived by his mother, Darlene; grandparents Joan Kilroy of Hazel Park; Charles P. Newberry, Sr. of Ortonville; and Jack and Norma Malinao of Hazel Park; sisters Myriah (Roderic) Ratcliff of Dallas; Erica and Katelyn of Ortonville; Godmother Patricia Mendelsohn and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
A funeral Mass was celebrated April 12 at St. Anne Church in Ortonville.