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MOLINE, Illinois -
Family members and the Governors of both Iowa and Illinois paid tribute to fallen soldier Cpl. Jason Pautsch in a moving and musical service at Moline's Calvary Church of the Quad Cites.
The 20-year old from Davenport was one of five platoon members killed April 10th in a suicide bombing while on patrol in Mosul, Iraq.
Hundreds of people attended Tuesday's service, part tearful testimonial from his four siblings who spoke on stage about the love they have for their brother and soldier, and part musical tribute, with patriotic and spiritual songs, several performed by a U.S Army brass quintet from Ft. Monroe, Virginia.
Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois took the stage and called it a profoundly sad day, and called Jason ''a genuine hero'' who went to the ''gates of hell to defend democracy.''
Iowa Governor Chet Culver read a proclamation in honor of the soldier who graduated early from Davenport North so he could enlist in the Army.
''On behalf of the people of Iowa we are here with you and we will be there for you. You are not alone'', Culver told Jason's family. Both Governors shook the hands of family members seated in the front row of the church.
Jason's 15-year old Jenna Pautsch recalled her big brother as her protector. ''He died fighting for his country, a hero for all, especially his little sister''.
One of his brothers Jared, who is with the 82nd Airborne in Ft. Bragg, in purple beret and Army uniform, stood guard over the flag-draped casket.
There were as many laughs as tears, many funny stories shared. Jared confessed he and Jason would sneak out of the barracks at Ft. Benning where both were assigned and watch the Family Guy on Jason's lap-top computer.
Lifelong friend Josh Engel talked about he and Jason playing soldier as young children.
''Being a soldier was in his blood, it's what he was destined to do'', Engel said. The two have known each other since the age of four, and were both deployed to Iraq in 2008.
''Jason, I'm proud of you, and it's been an honor and priviledge being with you all these years. We'll meet again. I love you brother.''
The 20-year old from Davenport was one of five platoon members killed April 10th in a suicide bombing while on patrol in Mosul, Iraq.
Hundreds of people attended Tuesday's service, part tearful testimonial from his four siblings who spoke on stage about the love they have for their brother and soldier, and part musical tribute, with patriotic and spiritual songs, several performed by a U.S Army brass quintet from Ft. Monroe, Virginia.
Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois took the stage and called it a profoundly sad day, and called Jason ''a genuine hero'' who went to the ''gates of hell to defend democracy.''
Iowa Governor Chet Culver read a proclamation in honor of the soldier who graduated early from Davenport North so he could enlist in the Army.
''On behalf of the people of Iowa we are here with you and we will be there for you. You are not alone'', Culver told Jason's family. Both Governors shook the hands of family members seated in the front row of the church.
Jason's 15-year old Jenna Pautsch recalled her big brother as her protector. ''He died fighting for his country, a hero for all, especially his little sister''.
One of his brothers Jared, who is with the 82nd Airborne in Ft. Bragg, in purple beret and Army uniform, stood guard over the flag-draped casket.
There were as many laughs as tears, many funny stories shared. Jared confessed he and Jason would sneak out of the barracks at Ft. Benning where both were assigned and watch the Family Guy on Jason's lap-top computer.
Lifelong friend Josh Engel talked about he and Jason playing soldier as young children.
''Being a soldier was in his blood, it's what he was destined to do'', Engel said. The two have known each other since the age of four, and were both deployed to Iraq in 2008.
''Jason, I'm proud of you, and it's been an honor and priviledge being with you all these years. We'll meet again. I love you brother.''
