Body Of Sgt. Jeffery Jordan, Killed At War, Returns Home

By Daniel Bell • on June 11, 2009

The flag-draped casket containing the body of Sgt. Jeffery Jordan arrived in Rome on Thursday morning and was driven to Henderson & Sons Funeral Home with a convoy of police, rescue workers, family, and members of the Patriot Guard creating a processional.

Family members gathered at the casket to mourn moments after it was lowered from the airplane at Richard B. Russell Regional Airport. Members of the Honor Guard then carried the casket to a waiting hearse.

Hundreds of people lined the roadways on the route to the funeral home, some holding signs proclaiming gratitude, others waving American flags or simple holding their hands over their hearts.

One such person was Emily Rogers, who waited on Turner McCall Boulevard near Floyd Medical Center with her children. A crowd of nearly 100 people also gathered at FMC, and almost 200 lined the road in front of Berry College.

“This is just a small way to show his family that the community is proud of him and what he gave,” said Rogers. “Without people like him willing to die for our country, America wouldn’t be what it is today.”

The ceremony at the airport, as well as the crowded processional, are ways to show the family support, said Mike Wallace, commander of the American Legion Post 5.

“This is a young man who went off to defend his nation, regardless if you agree with it politically,” said Wallace. “We honor their service, of every individual.”

Jordan, an Armuchee native and Cave Spring resident, had a wife and young son. Wallace said his family would never forget their husband, father, son, and that they will never forget this day.

“We want to give them something to remember,” he said.

On the way from the airport to the funeral home, dozens of police cars and a fire truck led the way as others blocked intersecting roads so the procession could pass smoothly.

About 80 members of the Patriot Guard rode ahead of the hearse, among them Jan Johnson, who’s son Justin Johnson was the first area serviceman to die during the current middle east conflict.

“Being a mom who has gone through this before, the support means a lot,” said Johnson, who explained that members of the Patriot Guard like to show their support during these types of things, noting that a significant number of the riders came from other areas to participate.

Riding among the Patriot Guard was Rome’s own Sen. Preston Smith, who said it’s important for the families of fallen soldiers to know that Americans won’t forget their sacrifice.

“It’s very sad to see Sgt. Jordan return home like this, but it reminds us of the cost of our freedom,” said Smith.

He noted that he visited a World War II museum recently in New Orleans and read letters from American soldiers who were fighting overseas. The thing that struck him was how much each letter writer stressed that the people back home not forget about them.

“We won’t forget,” said Smith.

A fund for Taylor Jordan, the young son now left without a father, has been established at Coosa Valley Credit Union. Wallace said anyone wish to donated can do so at either location or visit him at the American Legion on Shorter Avenue.

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Click here for more photos. Click here for video coverage from the airport. Click here for video from the processional.