Michigan Army Captain's Body Returns Home

KALAMAZOO (AP) - Family members and close friends of a 25-year-old Army captain from southwest Michigan killed in Afghanistan paid their respects as his body was returned home.

The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that about 20 people gathered Monday at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport to see the flag-draped casket of Drew Russell.

Patti Russell kept her hands on her son's casket until the family's time was over. She then embraced her husband, Jim, and their son, Jimi.
The military announced that Scotts native Drew Russell died Oct. 8 with Capt. Joshua Lawrence of Nashville, Tenn., after enemy forces attacked their unit in Kandahar province.

The family will hold public visitations Tuesday evening and Wednesday. A funeral Mass is planned for Thursday at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Kalamazoo.

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