DARMSTADT, Germany — An intimate group of 22nd Signal Brigade troops gathered in Cambrai-Fritsch Casern chapel Thursday to share the pain of absence, then cherish the memory of one of their soldiers.
During the memorial service for Pvt. Patrick S. Sullivan, mourners reminisced about his hospitable country ways, sharp humor and dedication to work.
On Saturday, a friend found Sullivan dead in his barracks room, according to Army officials. Details of his death are not being released until after an investigation.
Through some laughter and some tears, troops from Sullivan’s 440th Signal Battalion agreed he would be missed.
Two of his friends stood before the group, fighting back tears, to let everyone know who Sullivan really was.
Spc. Robert Solley shot out some of Sullivan’s favorite one-liners, gave examples of his hard work and explained that he was a man who loved his family.
Solley said though there were personal family problems, Sullivan looked forward to getting out of the military and helping his father, Donald, in his restaurant in Altus, Okla.
He said Sullivan tried to stay positive by being dedicated to the mission and used the country music he loved to escape from his thoughts.
Sullivan, 25, who was transmission systems operator and maintainer for Company A, proved himself a hard worker in Iraq, volunteering to stay in Kuwait to help the unit go home after most of his unit returned to Germany. Once back in Darmstadt, the command said, he worked outside of his military job to help in the motor pool.
During the ceremony, Chaplain (Capt.) Florio F. Pierre, of the 440th Signal Battalion, remembered Sullivan from a time he counseled him during the death of his grandmother.
Pierre said he remembered Sullivan having a heartfelt conversation with his father at the time. He said Sullivan was a sad loss to the unit.
Pierre closed in reminding the troops who worked with Sullivan not to take their youth for granted and to think about decisions they make.
Sobs were heard throughout the chapel during a final roll call for Pvt. Patrick S. Sullivan. Sullivan did not respond.
