Mich. airman killed by IED buried

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) - Hundreds of people attended the funeral Saturday of a decorated Michigan airman who was killed in Afghanistan during his sixth deployment to a war zone.

Flags lined streets in Traverse City to honor Air Force Tech. Sgt. Matthew Schwartz, a 1996 graduate of Traverse City Central High School. Even people who didn't know him felt compelled to turn out, and family members said they appreciated the support.

"It's just amazing how this town has responded," Schwartz' grandmother, Pat Bristol, told the Traverse City Record-Eagle.

A funeral Mass was held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Acme Township. The Rev. Raymond Cotter said the U.S. flag and the cross are powerful symbols, with the flag meaning "you serve something beyond yourself."

Schwartz, 34, and two others were killed Jan. 5 when an improvised explosive device hit their vehicle in Afghanistan's Helmand province. He had been awarded at least three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and a Meritorious Service Medal during his 12 years in the Air Force.

Cotter called the death "such a significant loss to our nation."

Schwartz's family, including wife Jennifer and three daughters, were presented with several flags at the graveside service at Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. There was an Honor Guard and a 21-gun salute.

"It was just beautiful," said brother-in-law Ken O'Brien.

Watch the full story above from our affiliate 7&4 News.