Remembering Sergeant Brett Gornewicz

ALDEN, N.Y. (WIVB) - It was an emotional homecoming for local soldier Brett Gornewicz from Alden, N.Y. who lost his life while serving in Afghanistan on November 3.

The sergeants family and close friends awaited for the beloved hero's plane to arrive carrying his casket.

The patriot guard riders and police escorts lead the procession from Cheektowaga through Lancaster and into Alden.

All along the route, people from all over, even those who didn't know him at all, came out holding flags and sharing the emotional procession together.

Sergeant Gornewicz will be remembered as a man who loved his country, and was happy to serve although he never asked for special recognition. He was so humble about his service, most of his family didn't know until after his passing that he was awarded the Bronze Star of Valor for saving the lives of fellow soldiers during an ambush later this year.

Cousin of the soldier, Marcia Russo says, "All of that didn't even come out until just now because he didn't want people to worry. To him he was doing his job, and that was his job. That's what he was proud to do and always keeping family in mind, that's who Brett was."

Calling hours for Sergeant Brett Gornewicz continue until 8p.m. tonight at the Charles Meyer Funeral Home in Alden.

His funeral service is tomorrow at 11a.m. at St. Johns Roman Catholic Church.

The 27-year-old was only a couple of months away from finishing his tour of duty. He and his fiance were planning to settle into a new home in North Carolina together when he returned to the states.