Fort Campbell, KY – Tuesday afternoon members of the Patriot Guard was standing by just outside of gate 3 to escort the hearse carrying SGT John Paul Castro en-route to the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
Upon reaching the Kentucky State Line, Oak Grove and Hopkinsville Police lead the way blocking traffic along the way up to Hopkinsville. At the entrance, the office stood tall beside his patrol car until the last vehicle past.
Once inside the cemetery there was a service under the pavilion. There were many soldiers there in their dress greens and dress blues along with friends and family. Brigadier General Jeffrey N. Colt also attended the ceremony and presented the most recent medals.
He has numerous medals which include: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation w/ Combat, Army Commendation, Army Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star,Iraq Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service, Army Service Ribbon, NATO and Army Meritorious Unit Commendation.
SGT Catstro, 25 of Andrews, TX died April 22, 2011 of small arms fire while serving in Afghanistan was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division ( Air Assault ).
SGT Castro is survived by his wife Delia Castro, Daughter Natalia, a step-son Mamren, his brother David and sister Blanca. A Memorial Service was held Friday in Andrews, TX followed by a funeral mass yesterday at Soldier Chapel, Fort Campbell, KY.
SGT Castro’s burial was with full military honors including a 21 gun salute and the playing of taps.
Local arrangements were handled by Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home in Clarksville, Tennessee.
