Troy soldier laid to rest

TROY, Ohio (WDTN) - For the second time in just three days, Troy residents lined the streets showing their support for Private First Class Jeffrey Rice.

Family, friends and even strangers came to say their final goodbyes.

Solemn music filled the air.  Red, white and blue flags waved in the wind.

"Just felt I had to come and honor our fallen hero," said a family friend.

As people lined the streets of Troy, to pay their respects.  "These men and women sacrifice their lives so we can be free you know."

Private First Class Jeffrey Rice was killed in Afghanistan July 19th.

He was just 24 years old.

"I knew him since he was a kid, worked with him at a shop, him and his dad," said Richard Zimmerman.

At Monday's funeral service, some shared their memories.  "My experience with him, he was just a super kid that would do anything for you and just a great person."

Others, expressed their sincerest gratitude.

"Just wanted to come and say thanks for serving our country and thanks for all of the sacrifices that you made for all of us," said Tina Wagner.

For Tina Wagner, the solemn ceremony hits close to home.

Her son also serves in the military and was a friend of PFC Rice.

"My son got to come back. he got to come back from iraq after serving 15 months and this family, their son didn't get to come back."

She brought the little ones along, even the baby showed support for the fallen soldier and his family.

So with one final salute, the hero was honored for the ultimate sacrifice.