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Army 1st Lt. David T. Wright II was remembered at his funeral Tuesday as a leader who was full of life and believed in fighting for his country.

Wright, 26, of Moore, was killed Sept. 14, in Afghanistan.

Close to 400 people filled Journey Church Tuesday morning to pay their respects to Wright for giving the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

"We're here today for the memorial service for a special man," the Rev. Randy Nail said as he opened the service. "Some knew him as David some as Timmy."

Wright had been in Afghanistan less than two months when he died last week. He deployed there in July with the II Platoon Bravo Company, 5th Brigade, II Infantry Division; Striker Brigade/Combat Team.

Wright's family, led by his parents Tim and Michele Wright, entered the church as a bagpiper performed "Amazing Grace." Wright's mother sobbed heavily as she walked into the sanctuary with her husband and a soldier each standing beside her as she prepared to tell her only child good-bye.

The casket holding Wright's body was draped with the American flag and was placed in the front of the sanctuary. Pictures of Wright were placed near the casket along with an OU flag.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Robert Dicks spoke about his fellow soldier Tuesday morning.

"I knew Lt. Wright when he was Spc. Wright," Dicks said.

The Army sergeant said he was present when Wright was commissioned an officer at Fort Benning, Ga.

"I was there to give him his first salute. It was an honor for me," Dicks said.

Dicks read a handful of letters aloud Tuesday morning that were written by members of Wright's Platoon, his company commander and his commissioning officer.

The first letter Dicks read to mourners was written by a soldier who was injured in the attack that killed Wright.

"On September 14, we conducted a patrol that went like many others," the soldier wrote. "All that I can tell you is being in our vehicle heading back to base and the next thing I know someone was waking me up beside the vehicle."

According to another letter that Dicks read, Wright was engaged in being a leader and warrior. He was known for doing what was best for his soldiers.

Tuesday's service included a picture slide show that showed pictures of Wright from his childhood at a birthday party, swimming with his parents and another photograph of him holding his Miniature Schnauzers. The last video that played was of Wright leading his soldiers in reciting the Soldier's Creed.

Nail said he knew Wright for about 10 years. Wright's mother, Michele was a hairstylist and cut Nail's hair before she joined Norman Regional Health System.

"Timmy is all she talked about, and I was good with that," Nail said. "I knew about all of the (track) meets."

Nail said he also was aware that Wright desired to be like his father, Tim Wright, who is a Moore police lieutenant.

"He was a very, very, bright young man," Nail said as he described the fallen soldier.

He said Wright wanted to serve his country and join the military.

"I believe it is a calling for a man or woman to take up arms to defend a country," Nail said. "It's a honor, privilege, place for courage and valor."

Nail said he was moved by Wright's life.

"Words cannot express the gratitude I feel in my heart," Nail said as he began to cry. "I honor you David Wright, I honor you."

Nail said Wright's last letter to his parents arrived at their home Sept. 16, two days after his death.

"That letter was longer than the other letters he had written," Nail said. "It was full of life and enthusiasm.

Nail read aloud a small portion of the letter to mourners.

"These people deserve a better existence," Wright wrote in the letter. "I hope my efforts in some small way can provide that."

Wright was born in Norman and graduated from Moore High School in 2002 where he played football and ran track. Wright earned a track scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma. He graduated from OU in 2006 with a bachelor of arts in sociology/criminology.

After college, Wright entered the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. He also finished Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. Wright earned the Army Achievement Award and Soldier of the Cycle, which is the top solider of his class.

Law enforcement officials from Moore, Norman, Midwest City and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol attended Tuesday's service. Following the funeral, Wright was buried with military honors at IOOF Cemetery in Norman.

Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com