Body of Army medic returns to W. Mich

CASCADE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - The body of Army Specialist Zachary Shanafelt returned to West Michigan Thursday, with a Patriot Guard escort from Ford International Airport to Rockford.

Shanafelt, 24, was a combat medic who was injured in Afghanistan in 2011. He died last week at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, DC.

The casket arrived at the airport at 3:30 p.m. The procession from the airport traveled along US-131 to 10 Mile Road and then to Monroe Street to Pederson Funeral Home.

A hundred or so people lined 10 Mile Road as the motorcade passed.

"I think it is important to remember because a lot of people forget about them and it's just like really nice to honor somebody who has made us safe," said 12-year-old Hailey, who was among those who lined the streets.

Chastity Augustine brought her children to 10 Mile Road to watch the procession.

"It's just important for them to know and to remember and to honor," she said.

Julie Novitsky's son was a good friend of Shanafelt. For her, the loss is more personal.

"He spent a lot of time in my house," she recalled. "He was all about laughter. ... We're going to miss him."