SHENANDOAH, Iowa (AP) — A U.S. Army soldier from Shenandoah who was killed in Afghanistan was remembered Thursday, for his infectious smile and his dream of being a soldier. Nineteen-year-old Private First Class Brandon Buttry died November 5th while serving in the Kandahar province.

Pfc. Brandon Buttry, U-S Army (Photo courtesy Col. Greg Hapgood)

Hundreds of flags lined the streets of Shenandoah for his funeral on Thursday while the community honored Buttry and supported his family. Buttry was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. He was deployed to Afghanistan in August. He was one of Don and Pam Buttry’s 14 children.

Among the mourners were Darian Slater and Ashley Hummel, students in nearby Sidney. One of their teacher’s is Buttry’s older brother. The girls say it’s important to show the family they care and “honor the sacrifice” that Brandon made.