TALLADEGA — Funeral arrangements for the first Talladegan killed in Iraq remained incomplete Wednesday as the family waited for the body to be released by the U.S. Army.Sgt. 1st Class Stephen J. White, 39, was one of five American soldiers killed in action Jan. 6 when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle in Najaf, south of Baghdad.
White’s brother Stanley, acting as the family spokesman, said he expected the body to be released today or Friday. After that, funeral arrangements will be announced by Terry’s Metropolitan Mortuary in Talladega, probably for some time early next week.
In the meantime, the family has set up a memorial on Knox Street, which they will continue to visit until White is buried.
The extended family gathered at the memorial a little after sunset Wednesday. The memorial itself consists of a large red poster board on a tree, with a photograph of White in fatigues, taken when he was a corporal. Relatives and well-wishers have signed their names and left messages on the board surrounding the photo. Several roses have been pinned to it as well.
Several patriotically themed teddy bears are also placed in and around the tree, and a table full of candles sits in front of it. American flags are planted in the ground all around it.
There were at least 30 people at the memorial Wednesday evening. It was typical of a large, family gathering until Betina Weed, a friend of the family, called the group together to be led in prayer.
Weed characterized White as "a great soldier," "coming home to you, Father God."
Temia White, one of White’s nieces, sobbed so hard for her fallen uncle she had to be carried inside.
At the conclusion of the prayer, Weed sang "His Eye Is On The Sparrow."
Stephen White was a 20-year veteran of the Army, and was serving his fifth tour of duty when he was killed. According to the family, he had attempted to retire just before Thanksgiving, but his retirement request was denied.
One of White’s sisters, Valerie Posey Ayala, wrote an original poem, which was attached to the monument, venting her frustration at President Bush.
After an invocation citing Proverbs 12:15-16 ("The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is known at once but a prudent man covers shame. …), the poem begins:
"Mr. Bush, Mr. Bush:
Just how do you feel?
My brother arrived home from Iraq today.
Because of your war, his body is breathless,
Cold and still.
He went over there and fought a battle you alone chose to fight.
Mr. Bush Mr. Bush:
Why don’t you get on the battlefield one night?
You allied a country you felt should be free.
But for us you’ve enslaved our family with pain and grief,
Which freedom to us will never be.
Mr. Bush, Mr. Bush:
I want you to see just what you’ve done
For us the battle will never be over,
It is a fight that can’t be won.
Mr. Bush, Mr. Bush:
You they should never re-elect.
They should pack you up and send you to Iraq
As a United States reject.
Maybe, Maybe a draft will be called and your daughters
Will have to go to Iraq and represent.
How would you like that, Mr. Bush, Mr. Bush,
Our. President?"
Vickie White, Stephen White’s wife, was also on active duty when her husband was killed. She returned to the United States Saturday, stopping first in North Carolina before arriving in Talladega earlier this week.
White was assigned to the Third Battalion, 16th Field Artillery, Second Brigade Combat Team of the Fourth Infantry Division, based in Fort Hood, Texas.
In addition to numerous siblings, White also leaves behind seven children, including Latisha Turner, Stefan White, Amber Ann White, Cornelius White, Jaylon White, Stephanie White and Stephen L. White.
In addition to White, the Department of Defense identifies the other soldiers killed in the same attack as Maj. William F. Heckler III, 37, of St. Louis, Mo.; Capt. Christoper J. Petty, 33, of Vienna, Va.; Sgt. Johnny Peralez Jr., 25, of Kingsville, Texas; and Pvt. Robbie M. Mariano, 21, of Stockton, Calif.
