BALDWINSVILLE -- Residents have started paying their respects to 23-year-old Corporal Kyle Schneider, who was killed in Afghanistan last week.Schneider's body was flown into Hancock Airfield on Thursday morning. After a ceremony at Hangar 113, 120 motorcycles led a procession to the Falardeau Funeral Home in Baldwinsville. The group arrived a little after 1:30 p.m.
Hundreds of people lined the streets waving American flags as the procession passed by. People say it was a fitting tribute for a man that made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
"It should be that way, and right now, the outlook for him coming back, and for the community to be out there waiting for him, it is so, so overwhleming," says VFW 153 member Glenn Barbee. "It's so nice to support his family."
Many of the people out on Route 31 and in Baldwinsville didn't know Corporal Kyle Schneider personally, but thought it was important to support a member of their community who served overseas.
"When I heard the news, it really rocked my foundation," says Baldwinsville resident Deb Johnson. "I felt the need to come out because I think it's important. I feel strongly about providing support for the family."
Funeral arrangements for the fallen Marine have been set. Calling hours are scheduled for Friday from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. at C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville. Schneider was a 2006 graduate of Baker High.
A church service will then be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 4947 State Route 31 in Clay.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed flags to fly at half-staff on Thursday, July 7th in honor of Cpl. Schneider.
