NEW CASTLE (KDKA) — Family, friends and community members gathered Saturday morning to remember a soldier from Lawrence County who was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Edward Mills, 29, of New Castle, was serving his third tour of duty with the Army when his unit was attacked with an improvised explosive device by insurgents in Afghanistan late last month.

“Eddie was not selfish, he always thought of his men, and I think he wants to be remembered for always doing his job,” said Francis Exposito, Mills’ uncle.

Eighty-five Patriot Guard Riders gathered outside of the DeCarbo Funeral Home in New Castle to lead the procession to Parkside Cemetery.

“We’re out here to honor the fallen hero, his family, friends and the community,” said Bud Roberts, of the Patriot Guard Riders.

Community members lined the streets of town waving flags; all there to honor a local hero, many of them had never met.

“The family feels very thankful to everybody. We got cards from all over the United States,” said Exposito. “I don’t think we could ever get to thank everybody the way we want to thank them.”

Family members say Mills loved serving his country and they are proud that he died doing what he loved.

He was one of six killed in the attack.

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