Army Pfc. Billy G. Anderson

Died May 17, 2010 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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20, of Alexandria, Tenn.; assigned to the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; died May 17, at Forward Operating Base Todd, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with improvised explosive devices.

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Funeral date set for Anderson

The Associated Press

SMITHVILLE, Tenn. — Funeral services will be held May 26 in Smithville for 20-year-old Army Pfc. Billy Anderson, who was killed in Afghanistan.

Anderson died May 17 in Badghis province after insurgents attacked his unit with improvised explosive devices. He was assigned to the 508th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

Family members and friends of Anderson gathered May 23 at the Lebanon Municipal Airport as his flag-draped coffin was returned home.

WTVF-TV in Nashville reported that he is survived by his wife, Caitlin Anderson, and their 8-month-old daughter.

“We’re a military family,” she said. “He was like my sunshine. He was my ray of hope, but I’m not angry.”

Family members said Anderson wanted full military honors for his funeral.

“He did like the admiration. He would’ve been very thrilled today by everybody,” Anderson said.

His mother, Marlene Goodwin, said she ultimately supported her youngest son’s decision to enlist, but she initially begged him not to join the Army.

“My heart goes out to any person with someone [deployed overseas],” Goodwin said. “This is my worst fear, and it’s come home.”

Funeral services will be held at the New Life United Pentecostal Church in Smithville.