Soldier's remains arrive home

He did not live to see it, but Army Sargeant Mario Rodriguez received a hero's welcome in Smithville.

"Sergeant Rod," as he was known, died in action in Afghanistan June 11th - his remains arrived home in Central Texas Sunday.

Almost everyone in town came out for a procession down Main Street as the Rodriguez family brought their lost loved one back from the airport.

Rodriguez is the third soldier from Smithville to die in Afghanistan since last July.

"Mario was always the class clown, I mean, he was always real goofy and he's there for everybody. Anytime you needed a shoulder to cry on, he was there for you," said Britni Fleming, friend.

Sargeant Rodriguez will be honored in ceremonies over the next two days.

Monday, "All Faith Funeral Home" in Smithville will host a wake and rosary. Family and friends invite the public to wear black during that event.

Tuesday, though, they'd like to see everyone in Red, White, and Blue for the funeral at First Baptist Church, followed by an outdoor service at Smithville Cemetery.