The body of Army Spc. Jesse Snow returned home to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on Tuesday morning. Snow, 25, is a graduate of Fairborn High School and was killed on Nov. 14 in Afghanistan during a firefight with enemy forces.

The rock outside of Fairborn High School has been turned into a memorial for Snow. It is just one of the touching tributes that show how much Snow was loved in the community.

When Snow's body was removed from a plane, a crowd of family and friends was waiting inside a nearby hangar holding American flags, showing their support for a man who gave his life for his country.

Snow's father, John, said, "We loved our son and we're going to miss him dearly. But, I'm proud of what he did."

John Snow Sr. said his son died doing what he loved and that everyone needs to know that.

“The enemy probably thinks that they are breaking our resolve, but this family is stronger and we continue to be,” John Snow Sr. said.

The family will gather for Thanksgiving and remember Jesse Snow for who is was. Those memories include a man who loved to laugh, loved his family, kids, his country and his community.

Hundreds of people waived flags and lined the streets of Fairborn to honor the fallen soldier as his body was escorted from the base to a funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. at Mary, Help of Christians Church in Fairborn, followed by a burial with full military honors in the Byron Cemetery.