Fallen Soldier Returns Home
Compiled By StaffArticle Photos
A fallen hero returned home today.
The body of U.S. Army Spc. Julian Berisford arrived at about 9 a.m. today at the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport before a military and police escort carried the soldier to Grisell Funeral Home in Moundsville. Berisford, 25, died Nov. 4 from injuries he sustained when his Army platoon came under fire in Afghanistan.
Thousands of people, some holding American flags, stood along W.Va. 2 from Wheeling to Moundsville to honor Berisford for his service to the country. Berisford was a 2002 graduate of John Marshall High School, and students at the school left classrooms today to join those on W.Va. 2 honoring the soldier, husband and father. Originally from Benwood, Berisford lived in Moundsville with his wife Gina and daughter Mya. He was planning to return home Nov. 14 from Afghanistan to celebrate the first birthday of his 11-month-old daughter. The Berisfords married on New Years Eve in 2007.
Berisford enlisted in the Army in February 2007 and became a specialist in the 509th Infantry. He was deployed to Afghanistan in March, and he was serving his first tour of duty at the time of his death.
Berisford was recognized Wednesday at a Veterans Day ceremony on the lawn of the Marshall County Courthouse. Those in attendance were asked to line W.Va. 2 today as the procession transporting Berisford's body made its way into Marshall County.
The Wheeling Police Department was one of the many police and military units involved in the procession. Cruisers from every municipal police department in Marshall County, as well as from the sheriff's department were part of the escort. There also was a large contingent of the "Patriot Guards," a group of motorcyclists who frequently provide honor guards for military funerals throughout the country. A large number of Berisford's family and friends were in the process, and some of them could be seen weeping as they drove through Wheeling.
Wheeling Police Chief Robert Matheny today said he was proud to take part in recognizing Berisford's sacrifice.
"It's very somber," Matheny said. "...We're absolutely honored to do it."
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Jeff41
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11-13-09 8:14 AM
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The procession was a sombering tribute to someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this great country. Thank you Spc. Berisford!
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navyvet
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11-13-09 2:24 AM
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From a Navy Veteran, Rest in Peace, Shipmate.
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BooBoo1
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11-12-09 11:40 PM
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My heart & prayers goes out to the family of Spc Berisford. Also those at Fort Hood. It is at times like this we see how fast life can be taken away. I hope they will bring our Soldiers home. I have a daughter in Iraq. I son-in-law & a nephew in Afghanistan. My grandkids stepmother is at Fort Hood & their father is in Korea.
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1whoworks
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11-12-09 10:46 PM
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Spc. Berisford and his family are in our hearts and prayers. We also pray that our President can find the fortitude to make the right decisions so that this young man and his comrades have not died in vain.
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JamesT
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11-12-09 10:23 PM
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Obama has been dragging his feet on military decisions for over nine months now, He painted himself in a corner by promising everyone everything. Now, his pollsters and political hacks are surveying excuses to put off doing the right thing. Our Commander In Chief is MIA and his leftist agendas are DOA. Americans are tired of him blamming Bush and lying constantly. We have a used car salesman for a President. Still campaigning and still doublespeak from Big Brother. Pelosi and Reid are in control and not Obama. How's that cChange & Hope working for ya!
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DanaSq
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11-12-09 8:25 PM
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My thoughts and prayers go out to SPC Julian Berisford and to those who know and love him. We are all eternally grateful for your tremendous sacrifice. For those of you who wish to "Be The Blessing" for Julian's family and his daughter I noticed you can send Memorial Contributions in Memory of Julian Berisford c/o Marshall County FCU, 910 Third St, Mounsdsville, WV 26041. Thank you and God Bless.
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VincentVega
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11-12-09 6:18 PM
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I was driving North on Route 2 as the procession passed. Like many, I pulled over, and parked to offer my respect and reverence. What a sad time for America and the family of Spec. Berisford to whom I offer my sorrow and prayers.
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examiner
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11-12-09 5:26 PM
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Thank you! Your family will be in my thoughts, and prayer's. May your family find some comfort in these trying times, again THANK YOU for your sacrifice!
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WhachewtalkinboutWillis
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11-12-09 3:53 PM
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"Also, I can't believe this paper would not run our story about this event. This event will be big without the papers help!!" Now that is shameful! I'll be there tonight and will spread the word. Folks, please do the same if you are able. This family needs our help and support during this tragic time in their lives.
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needanewmayor
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11-12-09 2:17 PM
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U.S. Army Spc. Julian Berisford and family, Thank You for being brave and giving the ultimate sacrifice for this country.
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PitifulPearl
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11-12-09 1:52 PM
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a beautiful tribute to a fallen soldier
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LtDaveM201
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11-12-09 1:44 PM
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Come to the Marshall Co. Flag Football game tonight @ Monarch field to show your support for our fallen soldier. All proceeds will go to the trust fund for Julian's daughter, MYA. Also, I can't believe this paper would not run our story about this event. This event will be big without the papers help!!
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popeye
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11-12-09 1:43 PM
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My condolences. Our prayers are with you.
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All4One
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11-12-09 12:31 PM
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It was very much a Hero's welcome - My thoughts and Prayers are with the family - God be with you all. Ruth M. Anderson
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