NEWTON COUNTY, Mo. — A final good-bye for a fallen hero from the Ozarks. Family, friends and supporters came out to Newton County Saturday to celebrate the life of Army Specialist Christopher Stark.
A roadside bomb in Afghanistan killed the 22-year-old Monett native late last month. Hundreds of bikers, waving the American flag, lined the highway leading up to Jolly Mill Park where the memorial service was held.
"My son and I came over today," Patriot Guard Rider, John Swartz said. He's an Afghanistan veteran and I'm a Vietnam veteran so we're here to honor the veteran that was killed in action."
Stark knew his calling to serve from a young age. Stark became a cadet at Monett High School and following graduation he enlisted in the Army.
