She was Guam’s first female casualty in the ongoing War on Terror. Her body was scheduled to be cremated yesterday.
Hundreds of friends, relatives, and servicemembers attended the funeral service at the Dulce Nombre De Maria Cathedral-Basilica.
Eulogies were heard from Petree’s closest friends and her brother, Jose Mari. All were in tears as they shared their fond memories about her.
Maj. Gen. Donald Goldhorn, adjutant general of the Guam Army National Guard, read testimonies from Petree’s comrades in Afghanistan who could not be at her funeral service.
Petree’s best friend identified only as Pfc. Olson, said: “When we boarded the C17 flight into Afghanistan in July 2010, we talked about going to a war in a country we don’t understand; against an enemy we can’t see; and for a cause we can’t fully grasp.… Petree was scared to go here but she was ready. She was the most caring, welcoming and loving person I’ve ever met.”
Non-commissioned Officer Bradley Hicks said: “I don’t believe I ever saw her without a glowing smile except when we made her show us her war-face. Petree always looked to make herself a better soldier than she was the day before.”
Goldhorn said Petree went to Afghanistan supporting a noble cause — Operation Enduring Freedom.
“It is a cause to improve the lives of the people in Afghanistan; a cause to bring hope and peace to those who continue to suffer from the ravages of a person in war,” he said.
Petree was remembered as a determined but caring person.
Rhea Patino described Petree as a great friend to have.
“I still can’t believe she’s gone. I still feel like she’s coming home,” Patino said.
For her services and ultimate sacrifice, Petree was awarded six medals, including the Bronze Star and the Purple Heartl.
Petree was a 2009 graduate of Simon Sanchez High School and a Yigo resident.
PFC William B. Dawson, 20, of Tunica, Mississippi and Petree died on Sept. 24 in Afghanistan from wounds they sustained when their vehicle was attacked with an improvised explosive device.
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