MACON, MO -- After traveling more than 7,000 miles, a fallen Navy SEAL has returned home.

On Sunday, the body of Petty Officer 2nd Class Adam Smith arrived in Missouri at Columbia Regional Airport.  Petty Officer Smith was one of nine U.S. service members killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan last Tuesday.

Members of the Patriot Guard Riders escorted the sailor oup Highway 63 from Columbia to Greening Eagan Hays Funeral Home in Macon, Mo.  Patriot Guard Riders Captain Vern Bastion said more than 30 riders came together.

“It’s just a true honor to be invited by the family to honor this individual, pay respects to this individual, for all of our freedoms” said Bastion.  “Riders came from all across the state this morning to escort this young soldier home.  He paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms so we’re out to honor and respect his service for our freedoms.”

Visitation for Petty Officer Smith will take place Friday, Oct. 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Macon, Mo.  His funeral will be held Saturday, Oct. 2, at 1:00 p.m., also at First Baptist Church in Macon. 

Smith will be buried at the new addition of the Oakwood Cemetery in Bevier, Mo.

You can visit the Petty Officer Adam Smith section of heartlandconnection.com to find all our coverage on the fallen hero and to post your memories of Smith.