Army Staff Sgt. Scottie L. Bright

Died July 5, 2005 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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36, of Montgomery, Ala.; assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.; killed July 5 when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during patrol operations in Baghdad.

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Friends, family remember soldier killed in Iraq

Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. — More than 200 friends and family packed the pews of New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Jackson to remember Staff Sgt. Scottie Lee Bright, who was killed in Iraq earlier this month.

On what would have been Bright’s 37th birthday on Saturday, the soldier’s funeral was described as a “homecoming celebration” to what the Rev. Dan Day said was “his new address: heaven.”

Bright died July 5 from wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee during a patrol in Baghdad. One other soldier was killed in the attack.

“He was a wonderful husband and father. ... He had a beautiful heart,” said his widow, Carolyn. “He is loved by his family very much.”

Since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan, 36 soldiers with Mississippi ties have died.

Bright, a 14-year Army veteran, recently was stationed at Fort Carson, Colo., as a member of the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

Bright was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for giving what Brig. Gen. Robert Crear called “the ultimate sacrifice.”

An honor guard from the Mississippi National Guard played ‘Taps’ gave Bright a 21-gun salute at Autumn Woods Cemetery, where his body was laid to rest.

The 1986 graduate of Lanier High left behind two children: a daughter, Breshay Nicole, and a son, Scottie Lee Jr.

His older brother, Willie, called Bright “my little hero.”

Willie Bright, 46, of Jackson said he regularly kept in touch with his little brother ever since Scottie Bright joined the Army in 1991.

Their correspondence began when Scottie Bright was a new recruit needing advice during basic training at Fort Sill, Okla. Willie Bright was finishing his military career at Fort Bliss, Texas.

He said his brother loved the Army. His favorite part of his job was teaching younger soldiers.

The last message Willie Bright received from his brother was an e-mail on July 4, wanting to know if the family was enjoying the holiday and inquiring about his mother’s health.

“He was always cheerful and willing to do anything in the world to help anybody,” Willie Bright said.