STEVENSON RANCH, CA, US
U.S. Army
SGT, CO A, 782D BRIGADE SUPPORT BN, 4 BCT, FORT BRAGG, NC
08/07/2010, KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN
Gelig, lived in Stevenson Ranch. He graduated from William S. Hart High School in 2002. Gelig enlisted in the US Army in October 2006 and was serving with the 82nd Airborne when he was killed in Afghanistan.
A caring community turned out in Santa Clarita to Mission Hills with people lining the streets to honor a soldier who gave his life for his country.
“We’re proud of him, that he served our country and that his life meant a lot to a lot of people,” Briana Kearns said while watching the procession. “He isn’t just one person, people really do care about him and he’s not just another soldier who passed away.”
This entry was written by Jeff for the SCVTalk.com blog.
I haven’t looked to see how many people turned out to watch SGT. Ian Gelig depart to his resting place, but from where I stood, at least 200 people waited patiently for him. Single men and women, a motorcycle honor group, and entire families lined Pico Canyon to watch, to grieve and maybe provide a tiny bit of comfort to Gelig’s family.
People standing near me were in tears, and it was hard for me to retain my composure too. I hadn’t ever met Gelig, but from what I’ve read about him, he seemed to be a good man, and his fellow soldiers respected and liked him. The pictures on his MySpace page showed a man full of life and energy and he seemed to have quite a sense of humor too.
I wish I could have known him.
I am proud that so many people turned out to watch Ian and I hope that his family knows that we are thinking of them and that we will never forget Ian.
Rest in Peace Sergeant Gelig.
Here is a comment from resident Bob Gilbertson:
I rode with the Patriot Guard Riders today to honor our hero, Sergeant Gelig. I grew up in the Newhall Saugus area beginning in 1952. Newhall Elementary, Hart High, Vietnam, Work. I loved the community then and after today I love it even more. The community turned out by the thousands to honor this hero. Vicariously, (with tears in my eyes) I felt welcome there which I had not felt in 1968 when I returned from Vietnam. Rest in peace Sergeant Gelig and may the family and friends of this hero find peace.
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