Fort Carson holds memorial service for fallen soldier

Fort Carson will hold a memorial service for a fallen Fort Carson soldier Friday. Sgt. Collette was a well-regarded member of his battalion there.

Friday, his military family got the chance to say goodbye with a military salute, complete with taps and a rifle squad salute.

“Very somber, I’d say very respectful and dignified,” said his friend Staff Sgt. Frank Jacobs.

For him the tribute was extra special.

“To me personally it’s just a good opportunity because I wasn’t able to attend the funeral in Lancaster, Ohio,” he said.

All of it for the man he considered a brother.

“We’re our own unique family. So losing him is like losing a brother or a sister. It’s just one of those things that is hard to take in,” he said.

The American flag he courageously defended flew high in the wind outside the chapel. Inside, his picture embellished by multi-colored badges and dozens of gold and silver medals.

But for a well decorated soldier, friends say his family meant so much more than his uniform.

“Real good character, hardworking, family guy. He loved his kids,” said Sgt. Jacobs.

Friday as his comrades honored his ultimate sacrifice, they held back tears, a show of the kind of bravery Sgt. Collette demonstrated in the face of enemy fire.

Sgt. Collette isn’t the only Fort Carson soldier who died from combat injuries in that March attack. Sgt. 1st Class Will Lindsay also died. His dignified transfer through Colorado Springs last week included a procession.

Collette was assigned to the 242nd Ordnance Battalion, 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group and was deployed to Afghanistan. He died on March 22 in Kunduz Province while taking part in combat operations.