I'm sure many of you have heard that Ssgt David Wieger of N Huntingdon was killed in Iraq on Nov 1. His funeral is tomorrow at 10:00 at Norwin Christian Church on Barnes Lake Rd. We have heard there is a chance that a radical religious group, the Westboro Baptist Church from Topeka Kansas, led by Fred Phelps, may be coming to protest the funeral. These despicable people say soldiers deserve to die. The following is a quote taken from the website promoting the picketing of Ssgt Wieger's funeral.

"THANK GOD for IEDS. God Himself Has Now Become America's Terrorist, Killing and Maiming American Troops in Strange Lands for Fag Sins. WBC to picket memorial for Sgt David Wieger- at 9:15a.m., Sat., Nov 10- at Norwin Christian Dog Kennel, 9610 Barnes Lake Rd, N Huntingdon, Pa."

This group claims to do God's work and goes around the country protesting at soldiers' funerals. As of right now it's uncertain whether they are coming for sure or not. Luckily there is also a group called the Patriot Guard Riders made up Veterans, and bikers that also go to the funerals to show their respect and shield the families and friends of the fallen soldiers from any protesters. They are there at the request of the family. I have spoken to the gentleman coordinating the Patriot Guard for the funeral and he said anyone is welcome to join with them whether or not they ride a motorcycle or are a veteran. Their group is for anyone who wishes to help support the families of fallen soldiers from protesters. Several of the officers I work with, and I are trying to get the word out in hopes of getting some people to come out tomorrow to show our thanks to Ssgt Wieger even if it means standi ng in a parking lot (with the business's permission-DO NOT STAND ON RT 30) along Route 30 between Norwin Towne Square and Penn Lincoln Memorial holding a flag when the funeral procession comes through.

Please pass this on to anyone you know who lives in the area and come out to show our thanks and support to this fallen hero.