Bond shared among military, peace officers noted during service for Marble Falls soldier
MARBLE FALLS — When you wear a uniform to preserve liberty — whether it’s as a member of the military or as a peace officer — the loss of a colleague is like losing a cherished family member.
And that’s just how it felt for many of the hundreds who gathered March 17 at the Marble Falls High School auditorium to pay tribute to Pfc. Payton Alexander Jones. Jones, a 2010 graduate of Marble Falls High School, was killed in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, on March 1. He was 19.
Members of every branch of the military attended, as well as law officers, 100 Patriot Guard Riders and at least a dozen Highland Lakes Honor Guard representatives.
“It’s an honor to be in support of the family and military in any way we can,” said Ben Redler of the Honor Guard.
He added those who wear a uniform in the service of their country, whether domestic or abroad, share a bond.
“It goes beyond brothers and sisters and family – it’s something deeper,” he said. “To show respect and honor and sacrifice and to show support to the family. It helps us remember those brothers in arms we’ve lost.”
Burnet County Sheriff W.T. Smith, a Vietnam veteran, greeted attendees and thanked them for paying their respects. He was also there to help oversee the funeral escort route.
“(Jones) served his country,” he said. “It was patriotic. He deserves more … for the sacrifice he made on our behalf.”
Smith called the bond among those who wear uniforms for their country and community “a brotherhood.”
“That bond is equally as strong as members of your own family,” he said. “You share a lot of life-changing moments.”
Mourners walking into the auditorium were given a card with the Bible verse from John 15:13 on one side: “Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” On the other side was a poem by Jilchristy Dee titled “You Were The Pride of Our Hearts.”
A slide show of Jones’ life was presented during the funeral with “Hey There Delilah” by The Plain White Ts and “Free Bird” playing.
Jones’ decorations include the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Parachutist Badge.
He was buried in Lakeland Hills Memorial Park.
The Army said he and 25-year-old Staff Sgt. Jordan Bear of Colorado died when Afghan security forces and an Afghan civilian turned their weapons on them.
Both soldiers were members of the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division out of Fort Bragg, N.C.