Solemn Homecoming for Fallen Soldier - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

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.

One week later, the remains of both men have been transported back to their hometowns.

After making the ultimate sacrifice, Spc. Tyler Orgaard receives an honorable transfer home.

"That is the least the soldier deserves, Orgaard gave us everything, and the least he deserves is everything we can give to him, down to the last detail." says 1st. Lt. Renee O'Connor/ Military Funeral Honors Team.

His remains arrived in Bismarck around 4:30 Monday afternoon, greeted by family, friends, loved ones, and fellow military members.

"My part is to make sure when the casket comes out, I double-check the team inside the plane has already checked the flag, it's up to me to do that last look, make sure everything's clean, after they go, I give the calls for present, and order arms..." says O'Connor.

"We only get one actual chance at honoring any deceased veteran or KIA, or MIA, so we practice a lot." says Sgt. 1st Class Travice Tesky.

Tyler's coffin, draped with an American flag was escorted by the Military Funeral Honors Team for a short, but powerful salute.

"It's always an emotional time for a lot of people, so we kind of put our own emotions aside, doing what we do." says Tesky.

"When we get out there it has to be professional, he deserves it, he was a professional, when we're out there, we're professional." says O'Connor.

"Knowing that we've got a team in North Dakota, as well-trained as it has, is a real peace of mind, that they have always been all the support we've ever needed, airports, law enforcement, funeral homes." says Sgt. 1st Class Travice Tesky.

Supporters that turn out--during the best and worst of times.

"It's nothing I wouldn't expect with the state, I've seen it many times with the floods, everything where we honor our soldiers, I expect nothing less from the state of North Dakota." says O'Connor.