More than 500 people paid tribute to Tanner O'Leary, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota who was killed in Afghanistan.
O'Leary, 23, who was given the Lakota name "Lance Warrior," was a corporal in the Army. He died on December 9 when a roadside bomb exploded.
Tribal, state and federal leaders spoke at O'Leary's memorial service. Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) recalled an incident several years ago when O'Leary gave him and his Congressional staff a ride after their vehicle ran out of gas.
"As long as there are young soldiers like Tanner O'Leary in this great nation and this great state, this will always be the land of the free and home of the brave," Thune said, The Rapid City Journal reported.
O'Leary was buried in a private ceremony on his family's ranch.
Get the Story:South Dakotans come together to mourn fallen soldier (The Rapid City Journal 12/21)
Fallen warrior's kind heart, helpful manner remembered (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 12/21) Relevant Links:
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe - http://www.sioux.org
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