A community remembers fallen SEAL

EDGEWATER, Md. (WMAR) - On August 16, Maryland lost on of their own in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

28-year-old, Petty Officer 1st Class Patrick D. Feeks, along with six other Americans, were killed in a fire fight when their helicopter went down in Kandahar.

That was two weeks ago, but the community has not forgotten.

Patrick's casket was flown to Dover Air Force base today so he can return home one last time.
Hundreds of neighbors and friends lined Route 2 in Edgewater to welcome Patrick home, some of them knew Patrick personally, some just came because they wanted to support  the family.

Many came because they are patriots.

Vietnam Veteran Ron Snyder says he was there because he "fought 40 years ago, I know what he was going thru."

Ron Snyder served in Vietnam. He wanted to he doesn't personally know Patrick's family, but that doesn't matter.

"This boy coming home is the best of the best that our country has to offer. The least I could do is come here and show my respect to him," he says.  

Other veterans also came to show their respect. The size of the crowd surprised some of them.

Navy Veteran Ron Pastrana said the crowds certainly surprised him. "Low and behold the whole community came out in force. This drove me to tears," he said.

"They call World War II the best generation," says veteran Chuck Roydhouse. "I think the sacrifice these young men are doing is honorable. I think this generation is the best generation."

"This is what America is all about, everybody looking after each other and pulling together," said Roydhouse.