Covenant News

Service Held for Covenanter Killed in Iraq

STOCKTON, CA (July 19, 2004) - A memorial service was held last Friday at Stockton Covenant Church for parishioner and Army Spc. William River Emanuel IV, who was killed July 8 during a mortar attack on U.S. military headquarters in Samarra, Iraq.

Two former youth pastors at Stockton Covenant - Julie Harvey and Mike Areida - officiated during the memorial service with an estimated 500 individuals filling a sanctuary designed to accommodate 300. A reception followed, hosted by a local American Legion group at the American Legion hall.

Emanuel, a 19-year-old infantryman in the U.S. Army, had been an active member of the Stockton Covenant youth group and had worked for a landscaping company, a local restaurant and a nickel arcade, his family was quoted as saying in a recent Associated Press story.

A church representative said that Emanuel, known affectionately as T.J. around the church, had been a leader in the junior high youth group while he was in high school and was remembered as a teen with an engaging personality and a unique sense of humor.

Following graduation from high school in December 2001, Emanuel joined the military at age 17. The lure of excitement drew him to the infantry and he was stationed in Germany, reported the San Francisco Chronicle in a story last week. His deployed unit was located just north of Baghdad.

In recent days, Emanuel was awarded posthumously the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for exemplary military service and to honor his ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Another member of the Emanuel family, William's 21-year-old sister, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Tiffany Emanuel, is also in the military. She is stationed in San Diego. Emanuel is survived by his mother, Jane; his sister, Tiffany, and a number of aunts and uncles.

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