Fallen Marine returns home

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Peter Dean
  • 107th Airlift Wing
On April 9 Marine Sgt. Frank J. World of Tonawanda, N.Y., the latest local Military Afghanistan casualty returned home to family, friends and loved ones. Upon arrival at the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station the sergeant's remains were transported from a private jet that carried him from Dover Air Force Base to an awaiting Hurst by a Marine Honor Guard detail. Members from The New York Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle group that travels throughout New York State honoring fallen military members, were on hand to join local police, fire, and military personnel in paying their final respects to Sgt. World. "We're here today to pay our respect to Marine Sgt. Frank World," said Joseph Shiah, Ride Captain, Patriot Guard Riders of New York. "We're an organization that is all about respecting and honoring our military men and women," he added. Sergeant World assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division Camp Lejeune N.C. lost his life in the Helmand province, Afghanistan when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive devise. "I'm happy that my hero is finally going to be home. The support from everybody has been unbelievable, and I'm glad my husband is getting the recognition he deserves," said Beth World, the sergeant's wife. In his sixth year of an eight-year commitment and on his third tour to Afghanistan, Sgt. World had Marine running through his blood. "His father was a Marine, his uncle was a Marine, and he just had it in his head since he was little that when he grew up, he was going to go into the Marines," said World-Missana. "People like my husband have to have their lives taken so we can be free. But I'm very proud of him," said Beth World. Sgt. World leaves behind his wife Beth, his son Jacob, 3-years-old, his daughter Lilly 3-months-old, his mother, Susan World-Missana; and his sister, Candy Rodriguez.