Dozens of people who felt a connection to a soldier with local ties, killed in Iraq, gathered outside The First Baptist Church in Durant Saturday afternoon. Friends and family attended a private ceremony inside. KTEN's Jhen Kordela was there and has a special tribute to Staff Sergeant Jason Brown.

He was on his second tour of duty in Iraq when Staff Sergeant Jason L. Brown, a Purple Heart recipient, died on Thursday, April 17. According to the Department of Defense, he was killed by a burst of small-arms fire while trying to capture an Al Qaeda leader.

"It affects everyone who has a brother or son or family member who's serving -- or a friend and, you know -- it could be them," says Dena Bradley, who attended the services.

Strangers gathered on 2nd Street in Durant , lined by American flags, Durant fire and soldiers who knew Brown -- there to perform full military honors. 

Friends and family attended funeral services inside The First Baptist Church.

"It's important to show our patriotism and support for the family and the soldiers and the fallen heroes, who are protecting us with their lives," says Bradley.

Brown, a highly decorated soldier, was born in Dallas and lived in Tennessee. His parents, though, live in Cartwright, OK, and his grandmother is of Durant.

He enlisted in the Army in 2003 after receiving a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. He became a member of the Green Beret in 2004.

Following services, Brown will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

If you'd like to make a contribution in Brown's name you can do so by donating to the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers fund at Shamrock Bank in Durant, located at 3225 Shamrock Lane.

- Jhen Kordela, KTEN News.