With the Patriot Guard standing watch, hundreds of family, friends and service members gathered in Fredonia Friday to say goodbye and honor Staff Sergeant Bryant Mackey.

"This is a hard time they're going through and I don't wish this on anybody," said Sgt. Greg Boicourt, a family friend.

"The family doesn't have to face this hour by themselves," said Kenton Van, a member of the Patriot Guard.

Mackey was injured during his first tour of duty in 2003, but when his country called on him again for a second tour, he went without hesitation.

"You never leave a fallen solider behind, you never quit, you place a mission first," says Boicourt.

On February 20th the 30-year-old father of three who also served as a volunteer firefighter was killed in Iraq.

As those who knew him said goodbye, others just wanting to show respect turned out in Fredonia, saluting a man they call a hero. They say they were just hoping to show his family some support.

The patriot guard raised $2,000 for Mackey's wife and children, but say if they could take away their pain, they would.

Following the service, Mackey's body was taken to Howard, where he was laid to rest.