True cost of war hits home for a Palm Bay family

Patriot Guard Riders participate in the procession of Army Spc. Justin Louis Horsley. The Patriot Guard acts as a buffer between the general public, possible protesters and the grieving family and friends. Horsley a Palm Bay, Fla. resident was one of four members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Caserma Ederle, Italy, killed when their patrol encountered an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan July 22. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean)

True cost of war hits home for a Palm Bay family

Published Aug. 5, 2012
By Tech. Sgt. Peter Dean
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Hundreds of local Military personnel and supporters were on hand to greet the remains of 21-year-old Army Spc. Justin Louis Horsley as he arrived at the Melbourne International Airport, Fla., early Saturday morning Aug. 4.

"This is a somber occasion, we have a fallen comrade and we are here to respect him in a dignified manner," said Brig. Gen. Anthony Cotton, commander, 45th Space Wing, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

Horsley a Palm Bay, Fla., resident was one of four members of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Caserma Ederle, Italy, killed when their patrol encountered an improvised explosive device while on patrol in Pul-E Alam, Afghanistan July 22.

Horsley, is survived by his mother, Songmi Kietzmann, and two brothers, John and Ben Horsley.