Kiel honors fallen soldier with vigil

KIEL - One of the victims killed in the Fort Hood shooting Thursday was 29-year-old Sgt. Amy Krueger of Kiel.

Sunday night, friends and family gathered to honor Krueger with a candlelight vigil.

The glow from candles illuminated the night as the Kiel community mourned the loss of Sgt. Amy Krueger.

"This is a huge crowd. For such a small community, you know? So we’re happy to see this," said vigil participant Dennes Breit.

The vigil began at a local sports bar. Hundreds gathered there, then made their way to Veteran's Memorial Park - just a few blocks away.

Many are still in shock and unable to speak about what happened. Breit, who has a son serving in Iraq, said the vigil will help people cope with the tragedy.

"I think it’s going to help everybody put this to rest at some point. Kind of get the grieving process started," he said.

Patriot Guard Riders led the walkers to the park in a show of support for Sgt. Krueger and her family.

"This is extremely important for the patriot guard to be here but also for the community to be here to support this family. I mean their loss, it’s a devastating thing for them to go through. And it’s very important that they know that even others they don’t even know are coming to share in their loss and support them," said Patriot Guard Ride Captain Michael Weaver.

A former school mate of Sgt. Krueger’s, Heather Seehaver, said while it is difficult to be reminded of the young soldiers loss, it's important to be at the vigil.

"Words can’t describe what it feels but I know it’s a good cause for Amy. She was well recognized and well liked. I can’t think of anybody that didn’t like her," said Seehaver.

For some, talking about it helps. For others not able to speak right now, they didn’t need words to show their grief Sunday night. Their tears, prayers and hugs spoke volumes.