Deceased soldier touched many lives

ALBION, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's been a long, emotional two days for the parents of Jason Johnston.

New 4's Lorey Schultz met with Jason's father Monday afternoon, shortly after he returned from a special ceremony in Delaware as his son's casket arrived in the United States.

"He's going to carry on in everyone he touched. He's touched alot of people," he explained.

Brad Johnston says his son, Jason, joined the Army to change his life.

Sadly, News 4 caught up with him in Albion just as he returned from Dover, Delaware, where he welcomed his son's body back to United States soil.

"It became surreal when we saw the casket," Brad remarked. "The Honor Guard was brought up from Virginia to bring the casket out and salute him as he came out."

He also commented, "The Army was just so good to us when we were there."

The 24 year old soldier was killed Saturday while serving his second tour in Afghanistan.

He had been over there since October.

His dad said they were told it was a roadside bomb.

Jason joined the Army at 19 and planned to pursue a college degree when he returned home next fall.

Deborah Kinsey is devastated.

Jason was her son Corey's best friend and lived with them at times.

"Oh My Gosh, I don't know what I'm going to do without him. I don't know what to do when he doesn't come home, when is he going to call?" she asked.

Jason was going to be her grandson, Conrad's, God father.

She exclaimed, "Oh yeah, my heart is just broken."

As you might expect, Albion is a close knit community.

To remember Jason, the fire department plans to name him as an honorary member.

Jason comes from a family of firefighters.

His loved ones are touched.

"He was a really great guy," his dad said. "He was well liked by everybody."

"I'm very proud of him. He set out to do something and he did it and paid the ultimate price for all of us to have freedom," the father expressed.

The Army is expected to release Jason's body to the family in three or four days, at which time the family will make plans for a funeral with full military honors.

Jason will be laid to rest in Albion.