COLUMBUS, Ind. -- Friends, family and community members gathered in the gymnasium at Columbus East High School Saturday to pay their final respects to a soldier who died while serving in Afghanistan.
U.S. Army Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, 23, was one of two American service members killed during an Aug. 2 suicide bombing attack on a NATO convoy in Afghanistan.
Sgt. Hunter, a 2011 graduate of Columbus East, was lauded for his love of children, music, sports and serving his country. He is survived by his wife, Whitney. The two were married last October and were just weeks away from celebrating their first anniversary.
Army Chaplain Clifford Pappe says Hunter "touched many lives" as an individual, athlete and soldier.
Full Military Honors, including the firing of three volleys, the playing of the taps and a flag folding ceremony were all performed by the Indiana Army National Guard Honor Guard.
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A private burial will be held at a later date.
You can watch the full service below.
Memorial contributions in memory of Sgt. Hunter can be made to the Bartholomew County Humane Society or the Brown County Humane Society.
