Family, friends remember fallen soldier as controversial group plans funeral protest

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Remembering our fallen heroes is something we hear about all too often these days. Thursday night family and friends attended a candlelight vigil in Whiteville to honor the life of a fallen soldier.

PFC Amy Bullock Sinkler of Columbus County was killed by a rocket-propelled grenade while serving her country in Afghanistan January 20. Now a religious group plans to protest at her funeral.

Sinkler’s father says she always had a passion to serve her country. The West Columbus High School graduate participated in ROTC among many other activities. Sinkler’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m. at West Columbus High School in Cerro Gordo.

A press release from the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas says the controversial church plans to protest her funeral. Westboro Baptist is known for protesting the funerals of servicemen and women by claiming their deaths are God’s punishment to America for allowing homosexuality and other sins.

Sinkler’s father Randolph Thompson says he hopes to lay his daughter to rest peacefully.

“I wouldn’t like it too much but people do have their own motto about different things,” Thompson said. “She always wanted to serve her country. She was a real outstanding person.”

Sinkler served in the Army for a year and 5 months.

WWAY tried to contact Westboro Baptist Church, but our calls were not returned.