Friends and family gathered to remember Army Staff Sergeant Courtney Hollinsworth at his wake Tuesday.
Hollinsworth was killed on September 9 when a homemade bomb was detonated beneath his vehicle in Iraq. The soldier was on his second tour of duty and had previously served in Afghanistan.
His family expressed sentiments of pride about the soldier?s service and sacrifice.
?I am so proud to be his mother,? Hope Hollinsworth Coaxum said while fighting back tears.
Funeral services will be held in Yonkers Wednesday morning. Hollinsworth will then be laid to rest with full military honors at Calverton National Cemetery on Long Island.
?What keeps us going is that he?s a hero,? said the soldier?s uncle, Mark Corpas.
Related information: Body of fallen soldier flown home to Yonkers