Curtis Norris laid to rest

U.S. Army Sgt. Curtis L. Norris was remembered Wednesday as a devoted husband, father, family member and friend.

But he also was remembered as a dedicated soldier who was serving a second tour of duty in Iraq because he believed in what he was doing.

"He was doing what he wanted to do, and you can't take that away from anybody," his father, William Norris, told more than 100 people at the funeral.

Norris, 28, of Dansville, was killed by a roadside bomb near Baghdad on Dec. 23. He served with the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, out of Fort Drum, N.Y. Norris, who enlisted in the Army in 1999, also served in Korea.

In a letter that his father read at the service, Curtis wrote, "Here I am in Korea serving my country and prepared to die for my flag."

William Norris said his son always managed to find time to call home at least once a week.

William said he and his brother James both served in Vietnam and came home safely.

"I never thought I would be a parent in this position," he said.

Rose Norris spoke tearfully and fondly of her husband.

Close-knit family

"All I have left of him is his loving family and my beautiful baby," she said, referring to their 5-year-old daughter, Kira.

Rose Norris said she came from a broken home, but Curtis and his close-knit clan taught her the meaning of family.

"His family has been my ultimate family and will continue to be my family until I join my husband," she said.

Maj. Oliver Washington, the Army chaplain who conducted the hourlong service, said soldiers who served with Norris told him that he truly cared about them.

"William and Connie Norris raised a son in such a fashion that he captured the hearts of those around him," Washington said.

Devoted father

He quoted a corporal who served with Norris as saying his favorite image of Norris was as a father who was always talking about Kira.

Brig. Gen. Tom Cole, who presented Rose Norris with the Bronze Star and Purple Heart medals awarded to her husband, said Norris was a natural leader who could see humor in any situation.

He 'gave everything'

"When people around him were feeling down, he could say just the right words to restore their focus," Cole said.

"He was one of America's heroes who gave everything so those he loved could continue to live free."

From the Journal

Related Link:
Curtis L. Norris dies of injuries from I.E.D.