Fallen Hero Returns to Tampa

Published Aug. 27, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Bryan Gatewood
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A U.S. flag-draped casket is unloaded from a plane on MacDill Air Force Base's flight line to the waiting family. A fallen hero returns home having paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

United States Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathaniel Schultz, 19, died Aug. 21 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, while supporting combat operations. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune.

In a final show of respect for their fellow Marine, Marines from MacDill and Tampa Bay formed up on the flightline along with the family. Team MacDill members also lined Florida Keys Avenue and Bayshore Boulevard as the procession passed by. Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies escorted the procession.