Local

Family, community honor fallen NC soldier in Ashe County

ASHE COUNTY, N.C. — Flags and salutes lined the streets on Friday in Ashe County to honor a North Carolina soldier killed in Afghanistan.

A 10-mile processional honoring Sgt. Dillon Baldridge started in Jefferson, traveled through Ashe County and ended at Ashe County High School where his memorial service was held.

Two hours before the service, much of the parking lot at Ashe County High School was filled with people who wanted to pay their respects to 22-year-old soldier.

The 22-year-old, along with two other soldiers, died from wounds sustained in Afghanistan on June 10 while supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

[READ MORE: NC soldier killed in Afghanistan died fulfilling dream, father says]

Firefighters expected the memorial service to attract more than 1,500 people.

(Sgt. Dillon Baldridge)

Baldridge’s family told Channel 9 that his dream came true when he joined the Army right out of high school. He re-enlisted in 2016, saying at one point, "I love this job too much to walk away from it."

[RELATED: Flags to be lowered for North Carolina soldier killed in Afghanistan]

Baldridge went to high school in Youngsville, North Carolina but his mother moved to the High Country after graduation.

Baldridge was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman Badge.

After the service, there was a procession through West Jefferson and then a private family and military graveside service at Ashelawn Memorial Gardens in Crumpler.

(Footage from WGHP in High Point)

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: