Local Soldier’s Body Returned Home From Afghanistan

June 21, 2013

The body of a local solider who died  in Afghanistan arrived in Pensacola on Thursday.

Staff Sgt. Jesse Thomas, 31, was killed June 10 while serving in Helmand Province, but the Department of Defense has not released exactly what happened.  Thomas is a Pensacola native, joining the Army after graduating from Pensacola High School.

Friends and family gathered Thursday as members of the Patriot Guard stood at attention on the tarmac at the Pensacola airport. The Patriot Guard escorted the flag-draped coffin to Joe Morris and Son Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Staff Sgt. Jesse Thomas will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday at East Hill Church of God in Christ at 400 East Jordan Street. Visitation will precede the service at noon.

After a procession escorted by the Patriot Guard, burial will follow at the Barrancas National Cemetery.

Pictured top: The flag-draped coffin of Staff Sgt. Jesse Thomas arrives in Pensacola on Thursday. Reader submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

15 Responses to “Local Soldier’s Body Returned Home From Afghanistan”

  1. 429SCJ on June 23rd, 2013 5:23 pm

    Thank you SSgt Thomas. May the Lord be with and comfort your loved ones.

  2. Bratt resident on June 22nd, 2013 6:40 pm

    My prayers go out to this mans family and loved ones, I can not even begin to imagine the pain of losing a son or brother or husband, may God comfort each and every one of you during this painful tragedy. Me and my family can’t express our appreciation for your service sir !

  3. K. in Cantonment on June 21st, 2013 11:52 pm

    Thoughts and Prayers to your family, you are a TRUE HERO!!!!!

  4. Robert S. on June 21st, 2013 6:36 pm

    To my Brother in Arms, “Welcome Home Honored Warrior and Peacekeeper”.
    No other words come other than Thank You for Your Service and Supreme Sacrifice. God Bless You and your family and friends.

  5. Spc Geoffrey D Donaldson US Army on June 21st, 2013 11:13 am

    Thank you for your service brother as a soldier still in the service go out today and support this amazing man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country and stop the protestors so that my friend/brother in arms can have a piece full ride home to his resting place and with the biggest respect given from Pensacola Florida residents this man died for his country and that means something weather you believe in this country or not support a family that has lost a son,father, or even a husband

  6. Jim W on June 21st, 2013 10:58 am

    RIP Thank for your supreme sacrifice for our country. I salute you and my prayers go out to your love ones.

  7. Lifendason on June 21st, 2013 10:07 am

    Thank you Staff Sgt. Thomas for your service and supreme sacrifice. May God comfort the family during this time.

  8. Molino resident on June 21st, 2013 9:16 am

    What is a Hero: Staff Sgt. Thomas. God Bless your service and God Bless your family. John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Thank you for protecting the USA.

  9. John on June 21st, 2013 8:51 am

    Jane, the military did fly him home. The reason they did not fly him to NAS was thoes who wanted to be there when the plane arrives have no access to the base nor could they be on flight line. also the family has the right to say where the remains are returned.

  10. Marie on June 21st, 2013 8:09 am

    God bless this Hero’s family. May He give them peace and comfort during this most devastating time. My heart breaks for them. So, so sad. Rest in peace dear sir.

  11. Retired on June 21st, 2013 7:00 am

    Jane……..The military DID fly this HERO home.

  12. Otto on June 21st, 2013 6:16 am

    Rest in peace brave sir! My most sincere condolences to your family. We as a country owe you and your comrades so very much!

  13. Willene & Preston Bryan on June 21st, 2013 6:11 am

    Prayer’s for family and friends.

  14. Jane on June 21st, 2013 4:12 am

    Why didn’t the military fly him into a base? I thought they were responsible for bringing home our guys. I am so very sorry for his family….my deepest sympathy to the family and thanks to this fine man for his service to our country. Bless him and his family.

  15. Thankful on June 21st, 2013 1:24 am

    A TRUE hero. So thankful for these men and women who lay their own lives to keep us free. God bless you and your family.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News