Remains of soldier return to western NY

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - A soldier killed in Afghanistan is on the final leg of his journey home. It was a somber scene at the Niagara Falls Airbase as hundreds of people awaited the body of Army Specialist Blake Whipple.

The body of Army Specialist Blake Whipple arrived via charter jet at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station.

Kirby Johnson said, "It's heartbreaking. It's heartbreaking."

The tarmac was almost silent as relatives waited against a backdrop of Americans flags, law enforcement, military personnel and members of the New York Patriot Guard Riders.

Patriot Guard Bill Brainard said, "We're here to honor the memory of Blake Whipple. To honor his family."

Blake Whipple, only 21-years-old, was a combat engineer based out of Fort Drum. He died last week when a roadside bomb exploded while he was on patrol in Afghanistan.

"He gave his life. He gave his all to keep this land free," said Brainard.

Brainard, of North Java, served for eight years in the Navy. Now he volunteers as a Patriot Guard Rider.

Brainard said, "This young man was 21-years-old. He doesn't have a future anymore. Every time we honor one of these young men or women, it's a mission."

Kirby Johnson of Niagara Falls, also a Patriot Guard Rider, came to honor Specialist Whipple. He lost his stepson, Army Staff Sergeant Aram Bass, who died in November 2005 while serving in Iraq.

"When you lose somebody like that, you feel helpless, and feel like you need to do something. This is what I do," said Johnson.

On this day, at this moment, tears and salutes, for a young man who gave his life for country. Specialist Blake Whipple has come home.

Calling hours for Army Specialist Blake Whipple are Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Amigone Funeral Home on Sheridan Drive in Amherst. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday morning at 10 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church on Maple Road in Amherst.