Body of Central Coast soldier who died in Afghanistan returns home

Body of Central Coast soldier who died in Afghanistan returns home
MSNBC - USA
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Reported by: Danielle Lerner

Dozens of people gather to honor a local soldier who died in Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Joshua Townsend served in the Special Forces of the U.S. Army. Two weeks ago, the 30-year-old was found unconscious in his room and rescue crews were unable to revive him. Wednesday, family and friends gathered at the Santa Barbara Airport to receive his body.

For those who knew the Santa Ynez Valley High School graduate, it was another step on their long road to recovery. Many people in the crowd never met the soldier, but they say every hero deserves a homecoming.

The charter plane carrying the body of Staff Sergeant Townsend taxied on the runway as a patriotic crowd waved the American flag and saluted the fallen soldier. His brothers in green were waiting to receive him.

"We're here to honor him, and his sacrifice to this country, and to support his family at this time," said Chaplain James Rose of the U.S. Army.

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