Updated 1515 cdt 9 May 08 by Big rock

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SGT Sam Rateb, 22, a former Stratford High School student, died in Iraq in 2007.

"He was hoping to change the world," his father said. "Some do it by poetry. Some people do it by literature, and some people do it by brawn."

Sam Rateb was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division based in Fort Bragg, N.C. SGT Rateb was born and raised in Summerville, SC. He made a trip with his father made a trip to the World Trade Center ruins. In March 2004, he joined the military at the age of 19. By late that year, he was in combat in Afghanistan for his first deployment.

"He was an exemplary soldier, a great paratrooper and he served his country when it needed him most," said Maj. Tom Earnhardt, spokesman for the Airborne Division. <script></script>

Although SGT Rateb was stationed in North Carolina, he made a home in Ladson, SC and he came to the Lowcountry every chance he got, his father said.

SGT Rateb deployed to Iraq in August,  and one day his father said he was driving home from a Yankees game when he got a call from a family member.

"He told me that Sam was dead," he said. "I was in the car, and I just had to pull over."

His son had just re-enlisted for a five-year term, he said. Sam Rateb would have been on leave as of Tuesday, his father said.

Per his wishes, SGT Rateb's cremated remains were scattered during a memorial service last year on Sullivan's Island.

Rateb was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team. He received the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal, among other awards, and he planned to apply for the warrant officer program fly Black Hawk helicopters.

We have been asked to escort the Family, Friends, and Comrades of SGT Sam Rateb to a memorial service held on the same beach where his ashes were scattered.

I hope a lot of you can find the time to help this family who are still mourning the tragic loss of their son.

I have had the honor of speaking with his mother on several occasions since then, and she is having a terrible time dealing with the grief. She is so looking forward to seeing and hearing all the motorcycles again.

Staging in Summerville SC, with motor escort to Sullivans Island.

Final Staging area and times TBA, but figure to stage in Summerville around 5:00 pm Saturday 10May08.

Yours in Service,

Ron White

South Carolina State Captain

<script></script> Patriot Guard Riders