PFC Dean R Bright, Farewell and God Speed

PFC Dean Robert Bright

October 13, 1973 - October 4, 2006

Dean is shown on the left

U.S. flags wave along Central Avenue in Sutherlin as the Southern Oregon town mourns the loss of one of its own, Army Pfc. Dean Bright. Bright, 32, a former Sutherlin councilor, was killed by a bomb Wednesday in Iraq. He had recently been awarded the Bronze Star.

From the Register-Guard













PFC Dean Robert Bright lost his life, along with three other soldiers, while serving his country in Taji, Iraq, while under attack from insurgents. Bright was assigned to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas

Dean grew up in the small town of Sutherlin, Oregon. He attended Sutherlin High School, where he played football and baseball and was active in FFA - Future Farmers of America. He served on the Sutherlin City Council. He was a volunteer firefighter and a reserve police officer. He coached youth soccer and T-ball leagues. After September Eleventh, his desire to "make a difference, both in his community and his country" led him to enlist in the Army in 2005. "He was proud of being a soldier," said Becky Bright.

His family meant everything to him. While on leave in Qatar recently, he completed his Christmas shopping and was looking forward to a big family Christmas.

In August, PFC Bright was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for risking his life when he pulled his friend out of a burning Bradley Fighting Vehicle while it was still under attack.

Dean is survived by his ex-wife, Becky. They had been divorced for several years, but had reconciled and were planning a Christmas wedding. He has two children, Jarrod, 9, and Maddie, 6. He is also survived by his father, Bob Bright and his wife, Emily; his mother, Norma Land and her huband, Chris; sister, Sandra Powell and her husband, Ron; Neice, Myah Dalby; grandparents, Tink and Jean Bright: and, grandmother, Darlene Pingleton and her husband, Tom.

To leave a message for his family, visit his Legacy page.