Jeremy Panker
In memorializing U.S. Coast Guardsman Jeremy Panker, who was killed May 2 while trying to aid a motorist on a Carlsbad freeway, the Rev. Stephen Parker told the congregation to honor his memory by being kind to others.
A collage of photographs of Panker, 23, titled 'Our American Hero,' was placed beside the casket draped in flowers. A U.S. flag was folded neatly on a stand.
'The parable of the Good Samaritan really gives us an example of what Jeremy did in his last minutes. He was being a good neighbor,' Parker said.
An estimated 140 people, many in Coast Guard dress uniforms, crowded into the chapel at Greenwood Memorial Mortuary Friday to pay final respects to Panker, a machinery technician in the Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team. U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Dave Ryan, director of operations for the west coast, Alaska and Hawaii presented a meritorious service medal posthumously to Panker for his heroic service May 2. Lt. Chris Martinez told the group of how Panker ---- who was on his way to represent his unit in a shooting competition at Camp Pendleton that rainy morning ---- had seen the accident on northbound I-5, just north of Poinsettia Lane, and immediately pulled over to help, disregarding his own safety.
He said Panker grabbed his emergency medical technician's bag out of his car and ran to check on two other people in a Ryder rental truck who were involved in the accident, then ran across the four lanes to help Angelee Coonse who was stuck in the center divide. As he was helping Coonse, however, another vehicle struck him and rearended her vehicle, causing it to burst into flames and killing her as well, the captain said.
'His dedication and devotion to duty are in keeping with the high expectations of the U.S. Coast Guard,' Martinez said.
Panker's immediate supervisor Lt. Cmdr. Pat DeQuattro talked about Panker's example in the Coast Guard. He was one of only two members selected to represent the Coast Guard in the USO Military Awards program recognizing achievement by all five U.S. armed forces in the European theater. He said they are still receiving e-mails and accolades from people who met Panker and wanted to comment on what an excellent petty officer he was.
'We are better as a unit (for having him with the Coast Guard),' DeQuattro said.
Friends and family shared stories of how Panker touched their lives with his humor, kindness and willingness to help.
'Jeremy obviously touched everyone of you in many ways. Thank God for that. Not many people do that. That will help comfort you.' In prayer, Parker said, 'We do thank you (God) for the memories you gave us of Jeremy. Let them be a comfort to his family.'
The U.S. flag was draped over his coffin for the ride to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery where Panker was given a funeral with full military honors, a gun salute by a 15-member Coast Guard Honor Guard team from Washington, D.C., and a Coast Guard helicopter flyover.
05/16/03 Submitted by: Jim Redd
Copyright 2012 Military Advantage, Inc.
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