Soldier’s solemn return
by Pinedale Online!
September 10, 2021
On Friday, September 10th, a special charter plane brought home the body of 20-year-old Marine LCPL Rylee McCollum who was among the 13 American soldiers killed on August 26th during a suicide bomber attack at the Kabul, Afghanistan airport. McCollum’s family lived in the Bondurant area and Rylee went to Jackson High School, graduating in 2019.
Thousands of people lined the streets of Jackson Friday afternoon on the route from the Jackson Airport through town to the funeral home. The long escort procession included law enforcement vehicles with flashing lights, a motorcycle entourage carrying flags, a fire truck, ambulance, emergency services, Game & Fish, military and others. Area webcams gave views for people who were not able to attend. The Jackson Hole News & Guide provided a live feed on their Facebook and You Tube page of the plane landing at the Jackson Airport and the honor guard transferring the flag-draped casket from the plane to the hearse.
Funeral services will be held at a later date, pending until his pregnant wife has their child, which will be soon.
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