Late Calvin Pereda gets hero's welcome

by Nick Delgado

Guam - U.S. Army Specialist Calvin Pereda received a hero's welcome Friday evening when his body arrived on the island.  Pereda died from injuries he sustained from an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan earlier this month.  His casket was brought in to the airport's cargo facility with an American flag draped over it. 

Governor Eddie Calvo gave his condolences to Pereda's family, saying, "It's difficult for me as a father; I cannot fathom the pain that your are going through but do know that I care for you, this island cares for you and are praying for you."

Funeral services were held on Saturday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Yigo. The island's motorcycle community - the Veteran's of Guam Motorcycle Club, the Guam Hawgs, and the Harley Owners Group escorted Pereda to Veteran's Cemetery where he was laid to rest.  The son of Guam was only 21.