'He already was a hero'

Community honors the memory of fallen Palmer soldier

Septtember 23, 2005

CASEY RESSLER/Frontiersman Valley Life editor

PALMER - At the head of the table, a small trophy rested. "Multiplication facts superstar. Sherrod Elementary. 1993," it read. Along the length of the table, trinkets and trophies told of a childhood filled with athletics and accomplishments. There, at the end of the table, however, the stark reality told the reason approximately 1,000 people packed Raven Hall on the grounds of the Alaska State Fair on Wednesday.

An oak box, triangular in shape, rested on the table, in which a folded U.S. flag rested. Inscribed on the brass plate was "Sgt. Kurtis Dean Kama Arcala. U.S. Army. Operation Iraqi Freedom. 25 April 83 - 11 Sept 05."

Wednesday, a Valley son killed in Iraq was laid to rest, with an entire community mourning the loss.

"Even though his time was cut short, Kurt lived every day to its fullest. We are proud for his sacrifice, for all that he did. We are truly blessed to have had him as a friend," Zach Pettit, a pallbearer and Arcala's longtime friend, told the audience. "Even though all there is now is old memories and photographs, we know we will see him again. Whether it's tomorrow or many years down the road, we will always keep him in our hearts. We will live our lives with the same integrity, courage and selflessness that Kurtis had."

Arcala, a 2001 Palmer High School graduate, was killed in action on Sept. 11. Prior to the memorial service, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his meritorious military service.

His friends and family remembered Arcala as someone who made everyone around him better.

"The real tragedy here is that Kurtis didn't have to give his life to become a hero - he already was a hero, to his family, to his friends, to his coach and to everybody who knew Kurtis," his sister, Aurora Berberich, said during a eulogy. "Kurtis Arcala will never be forgotten by anybody who has ever been in his

presence."

The full military service had a Hawaiian theme, and many in attendance showed up in aloha shirts. Leis were passed out, and Hawaiian dancers offered a memorial performance, including the blowing of a conch. While it was a time for somberness, it was also a time to celebrate a life.

"I've been in Palmer for well over 40 years, and for all the reasons that have brought each and every one of you here this afternoon, I have never been prouder to be a part of this community than I am today," Mayor John Combs said.

During the service, Arcala's three best friends - Pettit, Zac Forsyth and Tony Draino - offered moving recounts of their lives spent growing up together. For many in attendance, their poignant memories served as a link to Arcala and his 22 years of life.

At the end of the service, Arcala's casket - draped in the red, white and blue for which he fought - was taken outside Raven Hall, while a color guard stood nearby. After a 21-gun salute, Taps was sounded, a haunting reminder of the ultimate sacrifice Arcala made. The color guard then folded the flag and presented it to Arcala's parents, Angela and John Berberich.

"Kurtis had a heart of gold and was never afraid to admit when he was wrong or if he messed up. Kurtis was always willing to stand up for what he believed in," Aurora Berberich said.

Wednesday, an entire community stood for Arcala.