FORT LEONARD WOOD — At 11:30 Friday morning, the body of Private First Class Matthew England from Ozark County, Missouri, returned home.
Iowa Avenue at Fort Leonard Wood was lined with soliders and cilivians paying tribute to PFC England. If they weren't holding a flag, they were dressed in fatigues. A long row down a road - saying good-bye to someone they never knew.
"It's just a small token of respect for our soldiers who put their life on the line for our independence," Brian Raymond who came to watch the motorcade said.
This was the first motorcade for a soldier at Fort Leonard Wood since 2007.
"Very emotional, very sad," Jessie Dunlat said after she watced the motorcade drive past. "But it's also an honor. We have boys and girls who fight for our freedom and we thank God for them everyday."
"You really can't measure it; the ultimate price," Raymond added, "all we can do is give a little bit of time... it means a lot to the family."
In a blink - the motorcade was out of site. It continued on to Waynesville in preparation for the funeral. PFC England will be buried in Veteran's Cemetery at Fort Leonard Wood. He'll be the first modern KIA to be buried in that cemetery.
