Originally published on 07/02/05

Making Iraq a better place was a top priority for Sgt. Arnold Duplantier II of the California Army National Guard. He lamented that he couldn't finish the job.

The 26-year-old soldier was killed June 22 by a sniper while on patrol with his unit in Baghdad.

On Friday, Duplantier was laid to rest with full military honors at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Fair Oaks. He was the 12th California National Guard soldier to die in Iraq and the first from Sacramento.

"He was always smiling, always helping out, always concerned about his fellow soldiers," Sgt. 1st Class John Larson told more than 250 mourners.

After suffering his fatal wound, Duplantier apologized to his comrades, said Larson, who was Duplantier's platoon leader at the Auburn armory where his company is based.

"(In) a reflection of who he was, he looked up at them and said, 'I'm sorry,' " Larson said. "I later thought to myself, 'What kind of man says he's sorry when God comes down and takes him from us?' "

Brig. Gen. John R. Alexander, commander of the California National Guard, said the entire force mourned Duplantier's death.

"Our nation is under a stressful time it hasn't seen in many, many years," Alexander said.

More than 12,000 members of the California National Guard have been called to active duty since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he said.

"But now, we're starting to slowly bring people home," he added. "I hope that's some comfort to you."

Shadowed by the flags of the nation's armed forces, the memorial service was held in the cemetery's military Court of Honor. Duplantier's flag-draped coffin was later transferred to another section for burial. A 21-gun salute preceded the playing of "Taps."

A Sacramento native, Duplantier attended McClatchy High School. He joined the California National Guard in April 1999 and was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry unit.

He went on active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in August.

During his last leave, which ended last month, Duplantier had purchased toys that he planned to give to Iraqi children during his patrols.

Duplantier was married. He and his wife, Tanya, had one daughter, Isabel, 5.

During the memorial service, his family received several posthumous awards for Duplantier. They included a U.S. Army Bronze Star, an Army Good Conduct Medal, and a Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Along with the condolences of the Governor's Office, the family also received a state flag that had flown over the Capitol.

The family declined to comment.

One guest of honor, recently retired Rep. Doug Ose, was visibly moved.

"Today reminds us that being the United States of America is expensive," he said in a brief interview after the services. "Beyond that, I'll just spend the day mourning the passing of this young man."

Eulene Luna, a friend of the Duplantier family, said in an interview that she would never forget Duplantier's laugh.

Her husband, Efrain Luna, was unprepared to hear that Duplantier had apologized just before he died.

"That really touched my heart," he said after the services. "It brought tears to my eyes.

"How can you apologize when you're doing your best for your country?" Luna said. "He was a very compassionate person."

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The Bee's Edgar Sanchez can be reached at esanchez@sacbee.com.

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