Funeral held for fallen RI hero

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A Rhode Island National Guard sergeant, killed in Afghanistan while saving the life of a child , was laid to rest with full military honors Monday.

A funeral service for Sgt. Dennis Weichel, 29, was held Monday morning at the Swan Point Cemetery in Providence.

The father of three was killed in Afghanistan March 22 when he was struck by an armored vehicle. Military officials said he was trying to move a child from the truck's path when he was hit.

Weichel - who is survived by his fiancée, three children and his parents - was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, the NATO Service Medal, and the Rhode Island Star for his heroics.

A flag-draped casket containing Sgt. Weichel's body was carried into the Swan Point Chapel by a military honors detachment unit.

It was a brief service filled with prayers and tributes from family members and local military leaders. Rhode Island Adjutant General Kevin McBride delivered the eulogy and praised Weichel's bravery for putting the life of a young Afghan child before his own.

"That boy will live to realize [his] future because Sergeant Dennis Weichel, in a single moment of truth, acted without second consideration for his own safety."

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the service occurred when the chaplain read a letter Weichel's son had written to his father.

"You are my hero.  I know you're up in heaven watching over me.  You're the brightest star in the sky.  I love you, Daddy.  Love, Nick."

Following the funeral in Providence, Weichel was buried with full military honors at the Rhode Island Veterans' Cemetery in Exeter.