CENTERVILLE, IOWA -- It was a somber day in Centerville, Iowa Sunday, as family, friends and the community gathered to pay their final respects to a hometown hero.
Master Sergeant Travis Riddick, 40, a 21-year Marine veteran, died on January 19th in Afghanistan in a helicopter crash with five other service members.
The funeral for Riddick took place at Centerville High School, the school he attended many years ago.
The auditorium was filled with his family, his friends and most of all, his fellow Marines. Also in attendance, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad and Congressman Dave Loebsack.
All of those who spoke during the funeral, they remembered a man that made them want to be a better person.
"Travis taught me many things, but most importantly, he taught me to embrace those around you. He was selfless in all that he did, and it was never about himself. It was always about those around him."
"He always had a smile, and because he smiled, he made you smile. That was his mission in life, to always cheer everybody up."
And to those gathered Sunday, that was a mission that everybody was thankful for.
Master Sergeant Travis Riddick is survived by his wife and his six children.
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