Wednesday, May 22, 2013

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Memorial Held for Slain Coast Guardsmen
Hopkins and Belisle honored at service
By KTVA CBS 11 News


ALASKA - The community of Kodiak remembered two slain Coast Guardsmen Wednesday, nearly a week after the men where gunned down by an unidentified shooter.

Petty Officer First Class James Hopkins and Richard Belisle received full military honors during Wednesday's memorial service.

Hopkins, an electrical technician, and Belisle, a retired Chief Petty Officer and civilian employee, were described as dedicated Guardsmen and major parts of the Kodiak community.

"Jim and Rich loved their countries, they loved the Coast Guard and they loved their families,” said Coast Guard Commander Peter Van Ness. “They left behind two well-worn sets of boots that no man can ever hope to fill.”

While the FBI said it is investigating the shooting as a double homicide, no suspects have been taken into custody for the crime and the bureau has not yet released any possible motive for the shootings.