By Frank Morris
Orrick, MO – Mike Hartwick was buried Friday, April 14 in Liberty, Missouri. The 36 year old Army Warrant Officer died April 1, 2006 near Baghdad, when Iraqi fighters shot down his helicopter killing him and his co-pilot Captain Tim Moshier. Planners expect more than 12-hundred people at Hartwick's service, far more than live in his hometown of Orrick, Missouri.
Orrick residents hope the funeral will mark an end to a long string of tragedies to hit the town, including 5 recent deaths, natural disasters and unwelcome media attention.
KCUR's Frank Morris has the story.