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Service salutes soldier from Plant City

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GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: November 8, 2009

PLANT CITY - A mix of military, family, friends and patriotic motorcycle riders gathered at Plant City's First Baptist Church on Saturday to honor and mourn the loss of Army Spc. Eric Lembke, who was killed in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb Oct. 23.
American Flags lined the sidewalk outside and military honor guards stood at attention as mourners entered the church for the 10 a.m. service. About 400 people, with 100 sitting as a group with the family, and about 125 motorcycle riders, including the Patriotic Guard Riders, Riders of the First Baptist Church, dressed in black leather and jeans, sat among the others in quiet sadness as the service began.

First Baptist's pastor, Michael Lewis, reminded those in attendance of the selfless sacrifice made by Lembke and others in the military.

"Eric made the ultimate sacrifice," he said. "Today, we salute a soldier and we give thanks for his life. Eric now wears a crown of service."

Associate pastor Tommy Warnock, who counseled the Lembkes before their marriage and performed the ceremony March 14, 2003, reminded the congregation of Eric Lembke's completeness as a person.

"Eric risked his life and was distinguished not only as a soldier, but also as a man, a husband and father," Warnock said. "I know that he dedicated his life, not only to his wife, children and country, but also to God. God looks through our bodies to our hearts. In Eric, God found a willing heart."

Photos showing Lembke and members of his family were projected on two walls in the church as "Let Me Come Home," "I'm Flying Without Wings" and "Amazing Grace" filled the sanctuary.

Lembke, who was raised in Plant City, attended Plant City High and graduated from Simmons Career Center in May 2002. He enlisted in the Army on Jan. 29, 2008, was trained as a combat engineer and was a member of 569th Augmentation Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo.

Gen. W. Bryan Gamble, commanding general of the Southeast Regional Medical Command out of Fort Gordon, Ga., spoke for the Army during the service.

He named the medals and honors given to Lembke by the military prior to his death. They included the national defense service medal for service in Iraq and Afghanistan, each with a combat star, global war on terror medal, a good conduct medal, the Army service ribbon, the combat action badge and the NATO medal.

Gamble presided over the posthumous awarding of the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, which were presented to Lembke's wife, Mashelle, at the funeral service.

Warnock said a final prayer, grieving for "the loss of his youth, but proud of the man he came to know."

Many American flags flew and bagpipes played a soulful tune as Lembke's casket was brought down the steps at the front of the church.

After the church service, Gamble said, "It's an honor to be here. Great Americans and great families continue to serve our country. And I am proud to be a part of that service."

The burial with full military honors followed at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 731-8161.

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