TOMBALL, Texas — The body of a fallen Marine from Tomball came home Tuesday.
A jet carrying the body of Cpl. Jeffrey Johnson was met by a sea of patriotism and a group hundreds strong to pay their final respects.
Mourners said it was a fitting tribute.
"My purpose here today is to honor this young Marine who was killed in Afghanistan," said Houston resident Carson George. "To honor and support his family [and] to support our troops that are still there."
Johnson, 21, was part of a long line of military men. His grandfathers served in the Navy and the Air Force. Four of his uncles were in the National Guard.
He joined the Marines after graduating from Waller High School in 2007. Last week, a roadside bomb in Afghanistan took his life. He'd been there three weeks.
Hundreds of people from across the region lined the streets of Northwest Harris County -- from Hooks Airport -- to Klein Funeral Home in Tomball.
"He gave his life for all of us," said Tomball resident Evelyn Bird. "It represents all the other young men and women that are over there fighting for us today. I think it's phenomenal."
A visitation will be held for Johnson at Klein Funeral Home Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The funeral will take place Thursday at 2 p.m. at Rose Hill United Methodist Church in Tomball.
