Bridgeport, West Virginia
One of Duane "Tony" Thornsbury''s friends said it wasn''t often you meet a person who will make you stop and think, "there is just something about them." But "Tony was that guy!" Sgt. James Smith wrote in an online memorial. Other friends recalled Thornsbury in a similar fashion. "He was a go-getter, a no-nonsense type of soldier," Tony Batts wrote in the same online message board, noting he served with Thornsbury in Iraq from 2003-2004. Thornsbury, 30, of Bridgeport, W.Va., died Sept. 12 in Baghdad of injuries suffered in a vehicle rollover. He was assigned to Fort Carson and graduated from Grafton High School, where he was on the wrestling team. Holly Lane of Winchester, Va., recalled Thornsbury as "a part of our family" when he dated her older sister years ago. "He was the one to teach me how to ride a horse and gave me riding lessons," Lane wrote online. He was on his third deployment to Iraq. Thornsbury had earned his Green Beret in 2006, becoming a weapons sergeant.
I am remembering Duane A. Thornsbury on Memorial Day 2022. Duane made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/12/2009 for our country and so that others may enjoy the freedom to pursue liberty and happiness. I was given Duane's name by the Mindful Memorial Foundation (www.mindfulmenorialfoundation.org). My family and I are remembering Duane or Tony to his friends this Memorial Day Weekend. Tony is loved and missed.
Linda
May 30, 2022 | Other
Over the years your advice has been etched, and echoes, in my memories. I remember you telling me that I was capable of so much more than I believed in myself to be. You inspired me to go to school and build myself out from the confines that my mind had me bound and defined as. But that journey took much longer than I realized. Although you have been gone for so many years now, it has not been until recently that I felt I might make you proud. I do not know why the good guys must go early,...
ARD
April 20, 2021 | Friend
Tony...I miss you so much. My daughter is almost done with her bachelors degree .... I cant believed it!!! She always talks about you, her memories are precious and yes I cry every time , you know me... I will think about you until the day that Im leaving this world. Thank you for teaching her about independence, the value of education and respect to our military forces. Im here working hard with child protection. I think you will be so proud. I spoke with Amy last week, she has 3 children...
D G
May 23, 2020 | Fountain, CO | Friend
We miss you.
Auraiwan Barnett
May 30, 2019 | Miami, OK | Friend
Love and miss you Tony. Thankful to have known you. Gone but never forgotten.
May 27, 2019
Today I honor your great sacrifice. I am ever grateful for your service to our country, for protecting our freedom, and keeping our liberties safe
May 27, 2019
Thank you
Melissa
May 27, 2019 | Friend
Thank you
May 26, 2019
Thank you for your sacrifice
May 26, 2019
