By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Another Western New York soldier was given full military honors at his funeral Monday. Army National Guard Sergeant David Roustum of Orchard Park was killed two weeks ago in Baghdad.
A large military honor guard lined the entrance of Saint John Vianney in Orchard Park as Roustum's flagged draped coffin was carried into the church. It was standing room only, with more than 750 family members, friends and military personnel. Church Pastor, Msgr. William Gallagher, delivered the homily of the funeral Mass. He said Roustum selfless sacrifice will be rewarded with eternal life as he tried to offer comfort to mourners.
Roustum's brother, Dan held back tears as he delivered a eulogy. He said his brother decided to join the military because he knew it was right in his heart.
Dan Roustum says his brother David had the ability to see the good in people even after spending time in Iraq. He says his brother belief in the human spirit never wavered.
Among those mourning the loss of their military hero were members and friends from Orchard Park High School. Roustum was a former high school athlete and 2000 graduate of the school.
He was also the first University at Buffalo student to die in the Iraqi war. Before leaving for his tour of duty, Roustum was an accounting major at UB.
Following the Catholic funeral service, the young solider was buried with full military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna.
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