Fallen hero laid to rest

Hundreds of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency responders and residents, many holding American flags, lined the 33-mile route Thursday from West Milton Church of Christ to Barrancas National Cemetery to pay final respects to Army Sgt. Daniel L. McCall.  McCall, a 2001 Pace High graduate who would have turned 25 on Nov. 25, was killed Oct. 30 by an improvised explosive device in Salmen Pak, Iraq.

McCall earned the respect of everyone who got to know him and left them with a positive impression.

"He set higher goals, and he set higher standards for others to follow," Dr. Robin McCall of Picayune, Miss., said during Thursday's funeral service for his nephew. "He didn't accept average. He was a shining example."

Several hundred people attended the funeral, including U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller, R-Chumuckla, and about 70 Patriot Guard Riders, motorcyclists who attend the funerals of soldiers throughout the nation to honor them.

"Daniel was my son and my friend," said his mother, Petra McCall of Macon, Ga., in a letter read by the church's minister, Mike Mefford. "You are my heart, son. I love you, Mom."

McCall was a standout student and athlete at Pace High. He set the school's 400-meter record, which still stands.

McCall is the second soldier from the school to die in the Iraq War. Army Pfc. Kevin Ellenburg, 20, a 2004 graduate, died in November 2006.

McCall always showed his love for the grandparents who raised him, retired Army 1st Sgt. Marvin "Duke" and Liane McCall.

"When his (track) team came out, he never failed to look up in the stands for (us)," they said in a letter read during the service. "He was never ashamed to show his love for us even in front of his teammates. For that, we are grateful."

The funeral procession went past Pace High, where students, faculty and staff stood outside to pay final tribute before heading to Barrancas, where McCall was buried with full military honors. McCall's family was presented with a Bronze Star medal for his "contribution to our national war on terror and his sincere desire to bring peace to a foreign nation."

McCall's wife, Brittnay, whom he married in April 2006, wept in the arms of his grandmother, while his grandfather stood during a three-volley salute and the playing of taps.

In a letter read during the burial service, Brittnay McCall said her husband was her soulmate.

"Daniel, I love you more than I could ever put into words," she said. "I will miss you every second of every day I have to spend without you by my side."

Mefford prayed several times for comfort for McCall's family.

"I am grateful to have known this fine young man and to have seen him grow up into a fine young man with strong beliefs and a strong constitution," he said.