Members of the United States army carry the coffin of Jamaican-born soldier, Specialist Stephen Richardson, following a thanksgiving service at the Jamaica Council Seventh-day Church of God at 54 Chisholm Avenue, Kingston 13, yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

The death of Jamaican-born soldier Stephen Richardson of the United States army is another indication that the U.S.-led war in Iraq is not yet won and remote countries such as Jamaica are paying dearly.

Specialist Richardson was killed in the line of duty while fighting in Iraq on March 20. He joined the U.S. military in August 2005 where he enlisted with the First Infantry Division based in Kansas. He was sent to Iraq in February.

Yesterday, a throng of family, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathered at the Jamaica Council Seventh-day Church of God at 54 Chisolm Avenue, Kingston 13, to bid farewell to a Jamaican hero and a 'Georgian Gem' as described by the vice-principal of St. George's College,Valerie Virgo.

While attending St. George's (1996-2001), Ms. Virgo said excellence was Richardson's forte. She remembered him as a top-10 student, who was always punctual, disciplined and helpful.

It was those qualities that led him to serve in the U.S. army, attributes which were also recognised by his peers and superiors in the military. He was given an official funeral by the U.S. army.

Specialist Richardson was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medal for meritorious service and wounds sustained in the war against terrorism.

"His commitment contributed to our nation's continuing war on terror and his actions represented his dedication to the security of the United States of America," Acting Secretary of the U.S. Army, Pete Geren, stated in a message read at the funeral yesterday.

He was also given the Good Conduct Medal "for exemplary behaviour, efficiency and fidelity," Geren said.

Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, who paid tribute on behalf of the U.S. Army, described the 22-year-old soldier as an "exceptional man ... and soldier". He said Specialist Richardson did not only want to make a difference for the U.S., but also Jamaica and the rest of the world.

Family members angry

However, some family members were incensed that he was killed in the controversial Iraq war. One irate man, who said he was a cousin, voiced his anger aloud, quarrelling that the U.S.-led war in Iraq was "foolishness".

"Mi use to hold him in mi hand as a baby and look deh now, him dead," lamented the relative, who appeared to be in his early 30s. "Weh (George) Bush nuh go send him daughter ah Iraq?" he continued, while other relatives added to the chorus.

Four American soldiers were killed in attacks south of the Iraqi capital Baghdad yesterday while another two died from wounds suffered.

More than 3,200 U.S. troops have been killed in Iraq in four years of war and thousands more have been wounded, the lead factor in why many Americans are ready to wind down U.S. involvement in Iraq.

Specialist Richardson is survived by his pregnant wife, Katana, and young daughter, Iyana. He was buried in the Port Maria Cemetery, St. Mary.