Tributes to local man salute 'bright star in company of brothers'

Robert Donevski may have died at war protecting his comrades, but he died at peace.

That was what Matthew Lunceford, Donevski’s combat buddy who witnessed Donevski’s death in Afghanistan, told his parents, Colette and Kevin Lunceford of Phoenix.

The Luncefords were in attendance for Donevski’s funeral services Wednesday to pay their respects for the young soldier who died Jan. 16 from wounds he suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small-arms fire in Abad, in the Korengal Valley of Afghanistan.

Donevski, son of Linda and Ganko Donevski, lived in an unincorporated area near Peoria and Sun City. He attended Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria for some time, but took his General Equivalency Diploma test the day he turned 18.

Donevski, 19, was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.

He joined the Army in July 2008 after receiving his GED and was deployed to Afghanistan in June 2009 from Fort Carson, Colo.

He also is survived by his brother, Chris.

When Donevski’s unit was hit, Donevski tried several times to get the attention of the radio operator, who was ahead of them, to notify him of a comrade who was injured so medics could be called.

"And on the fourth try, he went ahead to bring him back, and then (Donevski) got hit," Kevin Lunceford said Matthew told him. "And even though he was hit in the chest and the head, he was still firing his weapon, covering fire for his brothers in the Army."

He died with just three rounds left in his magazine and one grenade in his launcher, Matthew Lunceford said.

That determination and dedication was a common theme throughout the funeral and graveside services held for Donevski, where letters from friends and comrades were read as part of his tribute.

About 100 family members, friends and military representatives attended the service in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, while 50 members of the Patriot Guard Riders waited their turn to escort Donevski to Phoenix Memorial Park Cemetery.

The Rev. Christopher Salamy led the hour-long service comprising primarily a capella singing of prayers and verses.

"May his memory be eternal," he concluded.

Salamy then read letters written by members of Donevski’s unit.

"He inspired trust and confidence, he was a bright star in our company of brothers," they wrote.

Donevski had a warrior spirit, dedication, and a future that was extremely bright, they said. And his death would not be in vain, they vowed.

At the graveside service with full military honors, Donevski’s family received his medals, including a Purple Heart and Bronze Star, from Brig. Gen. LaWarren Patterson of Fort Huachuca.

The Patriot Guard Riders made a formidable presence at the cemetery with nearly each member carrying a large American flag, lining the perimeter of the graveside service.

Louann Thomas of Peoria, the Arizona group spokesperson, said the group originally was formed to provide a barrier to shield fallen soldier’s family members from protesters.

"But we also attend the services for those KIA (killed in action), veterans, and when (military) sends off and comes home," Thomas said. "We’re there to let them know they are supported and respected."

"The welcome home parties are what help us get through these," Thomas said, of attending military funerals for fallen soldiers. "It breaks our hearts."