KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A soldier killed in the line of duty received a hero’s welcome as his remains were brought to the metro this morning.
Private Jonathan Michael Hostetter was one of two soldiers based at White Sands Missile Range in Southern New Mexico who died in Afghanistan on August 23 after their squad was attacked by an improvised explosive device.
“What a guy; typical 20-year-old going into the Military he was excited..loved his country, loved his family. He certainly wasn’t a perfect man, but he was focused on the right things, says Darin Frey, Pastor at Milan Christian Church.
Hundreds of Patriot Guard Riders from posts throughout Missouri came to Signature flight Airport near KCI to honor the young soldier who lost his life while serving his country.
“We are here to honor him and stand for his family,” says Julie Long with the Patriot Guard Riders
According to the Army, Hostetter was on his first deployment after joining the Army in November of 2011 when his was killed.
Originally from Humphreys, Missouri, Hostetter was a newlywed who got married in January of 2013.
Hostetter was 20-years-old. He leaves behind his wife Tahler, his parents, siblings, grandparents and a host of other relatives and friends who loved him.
