A CBS19 exclusive: an East Texas soldier who died on the battlefield in Afghanistan returns home. CBS 19 was the only news station there when Chief Warrant Officer Bradley Gaudet's body arrived at Dallas Love Field Airport Saturday afternoon and was escorted back to East Texas Saturday evening. CBS 19's Amanda Roberson was in Dallas when the plane landed and explains how the ride home to his final resting place was one of both tears, and honor.
This Southwest Airline arrival at Dallas Love Field Airport was anything but ordinary.
As CWO Bradley Gaudet's body deplanes, it's a heartbreaking reality for his family.
"With him, that was a dream he never gave up," explained Gaudet's mother, Rhonda Owens. She said her 31-year old son dreamt of serving in the Army since he was 12. "It's a very humbling experience, and overwhelming, with the support that was shown even by our community all the way here in Dallas."
Congressman Louie Gohmert escorted Gaudet's body from New York to Dallas. The Upshur County Sheriff's Department was also on hand to escort Gaudet and his family from Dallas, to Gladewater.
"He was always such an awesome person. We went to school together and he was always friendly with everybody and they're here to support him also, they know his daughter," added Paige Marsh of Gladewater. She grew up with Gaudet and said supporting the soldier, his family, his wife, and two daughters is the least her family can do. "I'm glad they get to see the town stand beside them, and praying for them. That's all we can do. He's done so much for our country and town."
It's the town Gaudet has always called home, and the town where his dreams of serving our country were born.
"Like somebody was talking the other day, Bradley was one of the lucky people," Owens recalled. "Because he had a dream and he got to live that dream. I just wish that it had lasted longer."
Visitation and funeral arrangements have been made.
Visitation will be Sunday night, June 19th at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. Visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm.
The funeral service will begin Monday, June 20th, at 11am at First Baptist Church Gladewater.
