Waycross Soldiers Honored at Funerals

Two young citizen-soldiers from Waycross, Georgia, who died in a drone attack in the Middle East, were remembered at funerals on Saturday.

Waycross, Georgia - Two young citizen-soldiers, Sergeant Kennedy Sanders and Sergeant Breonna Moffett, were honored at separate funerals in southeast Georgia on Saturday, nearly three weeks after they tragically lost their lives in a drone attack while deployed to the Middle East. The somber ceremonies paid tribute to their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving their country.

A Celebration of Sgt. Kennedy Sanders' Life

A packed auditorium of Ware County Middle School in Waycross served as the venue for Sgt. Kennedy Sanders' funeral. Fellow soldiers, friends, and family gathered to remember her indomitable spirit, infectious smile, and unwavering determination. Col. Jeffrey Dulgarian, speaking during the service, highlighted her exceptional courage and the skill with which she tackled her responsibilities. Sanders' former basketball coach, Mandy Lingenfelter, fondly recalled her time as a point guard for Ware County High's Lady Gators, emphasizing her infectious joy and unwavering faith.

A Tearful Farewell to Sgt. Breonna Moffett

In Savannah, a Baptist church hosted the funeral service for Sgt. Breonna Moffett, held concurrently with Sanders' service 161 kilometers away. Out of respect for the family's wishes, the media was not present at Moffett's funeral. The 23-year-old soldier's untimely demise left a profound void in the hearts of her loved ones and the community.

United in Service, Forever Remembered

Sgt. Sanders and Sgt. Moffett were among three members of their Army Reserve unit who perished in a drone strike on a US base in Jordan near the Syrian border on January 28. The third fallen soldier, Staff Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, was laid to rest earlier in the week following a church service in Carrollton. In a solemn gesture of recognition, the military posthumously promoted all three soldiers in rank.

A Bond Forged in Service

Moffett and Sanders, both construction engineers, joined the Army Reserve in 2019. Their shared experiences and unwavering dedication forged a deep friendship between them. Francine Moffett, Breonna's mother, recounted how whenever the family called their daughter, they would often hear from Sanders as well. The two soldiers had become inseparable.

Lives Dedicated to Service

Beyond their military service, both Sanders and Moffett were actively involved in their communities. Moffett worked in Savannah for United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia, where she passionately taught cooking and other skills to individuals with disabilities. Sanders, on the other hand, worked at a local pharmacy in Waycross and dedicated her spare time to coaching children's basketball and soccer teams.

A Loss Felt Across the Nation

The deaths of the three Georgia reservists marked the first US fatalities attributed to Iran-backed militia groups following months of escalating attacks on American forces in the region. The drone attack at Tower 22, a secretive US military desert outpost, resulted in the tragic loss of these brave soldiers and injured over 40 troops.

As the nation mourns the loss of these young heroes, their families, friends, and fellow soldiers are left to cherish the memories of their unwavering dedication and selfless service. Sgt. Kennedy Sanders and Sgt. Breonna Moffett will forever be remembered for their courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to their country.