Note: This article was originally published on May 23, 2005. We’re re-posting it now for our Colorado Fallen tribute.
Hooper – Pfc. Travis W. Anderson was remembered Sunday as someone who overcame great struggles in his life but achieved much.
Born and raised in the San Luis Valley, Anderson, 28, was an avid hunter, known as much for his skill with a rifle as for his gargantuan appetite.
His nickname, “Loopy,” was invoked by the dozen people who shared stories about him among prayers and patriotic songs.
“Travis could smile, laugh and cry, and we’re here to do all that,” his cousin, Dan Curtis, said before introducing Anderson’s favorite song, “You Can’t Roller Skate in a Buffalo Herd.”
More than 500 people filled the gymnasium at Sangre de Cristo Elementary School on Sunday to remember the Hooper man killed May 13 in Bavli, Iraq, by a car bomb detonated near his convoy.
The gym walls were filled with photos of Anderson’s early years, and tables were covered with snapshots, memory books and flowers. Soft bluegrass music filled the air as people from throughout the valley and beyond filed in to pay tribute.
“It shows how many people cared about him,” said Bob Cooley, a self-described “shirttail relative and good friend.”
“He was a great guy,” Cooley said. “He didn’t have an enemy.”
Anderson struggled with academics and dropped out of high school twice. He finally earned his diploma from an alternative high school. Soon after, he was stricken with hantavirus.
Dropping to 100 pounds, Anderson nearly died in a hospital in Albuquerque but worked his way back to being fit for military duty.
He was assigned to the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
He went to Iraq four months ago and became a sniper. He was training with Special Forces at the time of his death.
Many of Anderson’s family members were in uniform Sunday, attesting to the family’s commitment to military service.
Brig. Gen. Robert J. Reese said Anderson was considered “the lifeblood of his company,” and he honored the clan for its history of enlistment.
“This is a family that understands service to nation,” Reese said.
He noted that Anderson was nicknamed “Cowboy” in his unit and that he spoke often of his family and his home.
An Army representative gave Anderson’s family his Bronze Star and presented Bronze Stars for his relatives Jearold Freel, who served in World War II, and Daniel Curtis, who served in Vietnam.
A cousin, Lance Curtis, is stationed in Afghanistan. He sent a letter to be read at the service.
“You accomplished so much with so little,” the letter read.
A letter from Anderson to his sister, Toscha, read, “I’m not scared to go, just scared for all of you if something happens to me.”
Anderson’s casket was carried out by his comrades in arms, a funeral detail from Fort Carson.
He was interred with military honors at Rio Alto Cemetery in Moffat. Other members of his family rest nearby.
