It's been one week since we received the devastating news that two of our North Dakota National Guard soldiers had been killed in action.
Sgt. Darren M. Linde, 41., and Spc. Tyler J. Orgaard, 20, were killed while conducting route clearance operations in Afghanistan on Dec. 3, when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle in southern Afghanistan.
A week later, the remains of both men have been transported back to their hometowns.
It's not the homecoming wanted for any of our soldiers, but after making the ultimate sacrifice, an honorable transfer home is the least that could be done for Spc. Tyler Orgaard.
He arrived in Bismarck around 4:30 Monday afternoon, greeted by family, friends, loved ones, and military members.
Tyler's casket, draped with an American flag was escorted to the Army Aviation support facility by the Military Funeral Honors Team for a short, but powerful salute.
Sgt. Linde was returned to loved ones in Sidney, Montana Sunday.
Both fallen heroes were members of the 818th Engineering Company.
Funerals for both men will happen later this week.