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Marine honored as Redmond's own

Peterson called the area home for several years

By Yoko Minoura / The Bulletin

Published: May 13. 2007 4:00AM PST

REDMOND - A flock of white birds whirred into the overcast sky Saturday afternoon, symbolizing the release of Lance Cpl. Dale Peterson's soul at the close of a service honoring the fallen Marine.

Hundreds of residents gathered at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center to remember Peterson, 20, who was killed April 23 when his armored vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Iraq. Peterson, who grew up in Burns, graduated from Redmond High School in 2005. He served with the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C.

Peterson is survived by his father, Greg Peterson, of Redmond; his mother, Dorothy Peterson, of Burns; three sisters and his wife, Marine Lance Cpl. Regina "Reggie" Peterson.

Dale married his wife in July, and both were stationed at Camp Lejeune. They settled in Hubert, N.C., on the northern edge of the miliary base, and he had been deployed for less than a month when his family received news of his death.

A funeral and graveside service were held one week ago in Burns.

As a stiff breeze snapped flags lining the walkway to life, residents filed into the North Sister building Saturday. Many people pinned a red, white and blue ribbon centered by Peterson's portrait to their lapels.

His wife, Reggie, 18, and one of Dale's closest friends read a poem, alternating stanzas, at the beginning of the ceremony. The poem described Dale as a mirthful, freckle-faced boy who grew up in the High Desert, chose to defend his country and fell in "the sands of a much different desert."

"Dale wouldn't want us to focus on what he has chosen to give," Reggie read. "Don't dwell on the way that he died; just focus on the way that he lived."

A slideshow during the memorial provided a glimpse into Dale's life, picturing him in his truck, with his family, his dog or in the snowy woods. In many pictures, Dale flashed a brilliant smile. In one shot, Dale clowned for the camera while his wife smiled.

Dale spent time in the outdoors ever since he was small enough to ride in a backpack, his father, Greg, said in an earlier interview. The two went on hunting and fishing trips throughout Central and Eastern Oregon and shared a special bond within an already tight-knit family.

His family said earlier that he also enjoyed working on old trucks and driving off-road.

Greg said his son wasn't overly fond of school but had a strong work ethic. He said Dale, who enlisted shortly after high school, took to the Marines well and graduated at the top of his class for combat engineers.

Greg spoke briefly about his son during the service.

"Words cannot express the sorrow I feel at the loss of my son," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Words can also not express my pride."

He thanked the community for the many cards and messages of support that the family has received since Dale's death. Dale's sisters also attended the service, but did not speak.

U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Hood River, also paid tribute to Dale at the Saturday service. He said both he and Gov. Ted Kulongoski attended the funeral and graveside service one week ago in Burns.

Walden spoke about Dale's courage and sense of duty, noting that he enlisted well after the beginning of the war in Iraq and chose the Marines, those most often on the front lines.

He said there is no doubt that Dale made a difference, and the Central Oregon community must never forget the debt they owe to all service members.

Walden presented flags that had been flown in Washington, D.C., and framed documents to Dale's wife and his family.

A handful of community members with sons or daughters in the military who knew Dale offered the family their sympathy and support.

Redmond resident Jan Wells, 53, said her son attended high school with Dale and got to know him during boot camp.

Wells said her son is currently serving in Iraq.

"I'm just sympathetic to the Peterson family because there but for the grace of God go we," she said after the service. "This whole thing hits close to home. It could have been my son."

She said she wanted the family to know how much the community recognizes and appreciates their sacrifice.

Jennifer Robinson, 16, cradled a bouquet of flowers for the family.

"I didn't know Dale very well, but as far as I knew him, he was a good person," the Redmond teen said, explaining that her sister knew Dale.

"The few times I met him, he just seemed like he was so full of life," she said. "I just want (the family) to know I'm really sorry - I can't imagine how it feels. I just want them to know my prayers are (with) them."

A contingent of Patriot Guard Riders - a motorcycle group that honors fallen service members and their families - also attended the service.

Alec Jones, 53, a Central Oregon ride captain for the group, said the riders formed an escort for the casket and for family members in Burns earlier.

He said he felt privileged to be able to honor Dale and the Peterson family, and was happy to see the many residents who turned out at both services.

"I'm very proud of all three communities - Bend, Burns and Redmond - for their support," he said. "It's humbling to see people show up to honor someone who fought so hard for our freedoms."

Flags flew Saturday in downtown Bend and Redmond to honor Dale. He was the 87th service member from or with ties to Oregon who has been killed in Iraq or Afghanistan, The Associated Press reported at the time of his death.

Dale's memorial also marks the third time the Central Oregon community has come together to mourn a fallen service member at the fairgrounds. Hundreds gathered for memorials for Army Pfc. Tom Tucker, of Madras, last July and for Marine Lance Cpl. Randy Newman, of Bend, in August.

Yoko Minoura can be reached at 383-0387 or at yminoura@bendbulletin.com.

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