Video by Eric Keith

LATHROP, Mo. - The war in Afghanistan came home to the front porches of Lathrop this week, and the community turned out to pay respects to its hero.

Dr. James Crenshaw, Lathrop's mayor, proclaimed Wednesday as a day to pay tribute to the memory of Sgt. Issac Brandon Jackson. The sergeant volunteered for an extra mission on Oct. 27 in the Arghandab Valley when another soldier wasn't ready, said the Rev. Ron Malott.

"Issac Jackson had a heart of justice and was ready to protect others," the reverend said.

A homemade bomb exploded near the vehicle the sergeant and six other soldiers were using that day. This was Mr. Jackson's second tour in Afghanistan.

Lathrop High School closed early on Wednesday, and the gymnasium was set up for the 1 p.m. funeral. The high school lobby displayed photo boards commemorating the soldier's life. On Missouri Route A in Clinton County, which leads to the high school, two firetrucks with ladders raised high strung a large American flag across the roadway. Residents tied yellow ribbons around their trees and porch posts.

Larry Jackson delivered a moving tribute to his younger brother, declaring that Issac would "always be his hero."

The sergeant was buried Wednesday with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute and Army helicopters flying by at the start of services at the Lathrop cemetery.

Brig. Gen. Edward Cardon, acting commandant of the Army's Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center, presented Kristen Northrup Jackson, the sergeant's widow, with two new awards - a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

"In his death, he touched me, and my only regret is that I didn't meet him," the general said.

The Patriot Guard transformed the area in front of the school with hundreds of American flags, and 200 Guard members stood at attention as mourners arrived for and departed the service. The Patriot Guard also created an avenue of flags interspersed with members at the cemetery.

Bob Chaney and Dorothy May performed bagpipe music outside the school. The two are members of Kansas City's St. Andrew Pipes and Drums. As Army soldiers carried the casket into the school house, the pipers played "Amazing Grace."

The Lathrop Police Department got mutual aid from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri State Fire Marshal's office, Caldwell and Clinton county sheriff's departments, and police officers from the Cameron, Gower, Holt, Kearney and Plattsburg departments, who assisted with traffic control for the large funeral. State roads and city streets were closed for about 45 minutes to allow the funeral procession to proceed through town. Residents stood outside their homes and businesses to pay their last respects.

Marshall White can be reached

at marshall@npgco.com.