The family of Army Staff Sgt. Richard Vazquez traveled to Dover Air Force Base on Saturday as the 28-year-old body’s was returned to the United States.
The soldier from the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan last Wednesday.
He will be buried in Mansfield, La., where his family lives, according to the Shreveport Times. Details about services were not yet available.
In Seguin, Texas, where Vazquez attended high school and played on the football team, a memorial service will be held Thursday evening.
His sister, Christine Vazquez, said in a statement that her brother will be missed.
“Richard has never met a stranger and is greatly loved by all that knew him,” she said. “Nothing he did was much short of perfect. He loved life, lived it to the fullest and encouraged all to do the same.”
A service will be also be held in Afghanistan. Local services will also be held, but details have not been finalized.