Family, friends gather to honor fallen soldier Jesse Williams

GRANGER, Ind. -- Family and friends gathered Thursday to pay their respects to Army Staff Sergeant Jesse Williams who was killed December 17th in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.

The family held visitation at Granger Community Church.

Outside the church, people lined the road with flags out of respect for the fallen hero.

Inside, family and friends gathered around his flag-covered coffin.

Williams, just 30-years-old, left behind a young daughter.

Russ Bauer, Senior Ride Captain for the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders, says it's important we all understand the sacrifice Williams made.

"Our job is to make sure that the community and the family know that the general public appreciates their sacrifice . And we’re here to honor Jesse," said Bauer.

There will be visitation Friday before Williams' funeral at 1 p.m.