Christopher Griffin was killed during combat in Afghanistan.

PICKFORD/RUDYARD -- Family, friends and community members honored the life of Army Sergeant Christopher Griffin Wednesday.

The 24 year old from Kincheloe was one of eight U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan earlier this month.  It was the deadliest insurgent attack on U.S. forces in more than a year.

Before Wednesday's funeral service, people lined the streets of Pickford with flags; as the hearse, family, police, first responders, members of the armed forces and veterans groups on motorcycles passed by.

"He's a hero,” said Ashly Erlichman, State Vice President of the Michigan Forgotten Eagles.  “He was willing to make that sacrifice for our freedoms today and we're just out here to show our respect and honor him for what he did (for) us."

Under a huge flag, the procession was welcomed to Rudyard for the funeral.  It's at Rudyard Area High School where Sergeant Griffin graduated five years ago.  Just three weeks after finishing school, he joined the U.S. Army, fulfilling a boyhood dream.

Inside the school's gymnasium, with his flag draped casket front and center, family and friends mourned their loss.

"When I knew my brother Chris, he was an awesome guy that I looked up to and always will look up to,” said Derrick Baker-LaDuke, Griffin’s brother.  “I don't know the reason why God would take such an awesome guy away."

The army presented Sergeant Griffin's family with more than a dozen medals, ribbons and badges he earned for his service.

But his friends spoke of the young man they knew before he joined the military.

"Growing up Chris was very laid back,” said friend Tom McKee.  “He never wanted attention or the spotlight on himself, but if you needed something done, he was there to help in anyway he could."

It’s a tragic, heart wrenching loss for a family and community, a man who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

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3:55 pm October 14, 2009 - Rudyard

The funeral service for Sergeant Griffin just ended. It was emotional for family, friends, residents, and fellow members of the armed forces.

Family and friends spoke about how at a young age, Sergeant Griffin said he wanted to serve in the military. He achieved his goal and served proudly.

From here in Rudyard, the procession will continue back to Pickford for a luncheon.

I'll have the full story on today's emotional events on tonight's Late News.

12:15 p.m. October 14, 2009 - Pickford

The funeral procession for Sgt Griffin just began here in Pickford. It includes police and emergency personnel plus family and friends of the fallen soldier. 

Also in the procession are 30 or more motorcycles being ridden by the Forgotten Eagles and other riders. I will have more later this afternoon.

7:25 a.m. - October 14, 2009 - Newsroom

It was the deadliest assault on American forces in more than a year in Afghanistan.  And today family, friends and community members will say goodbye to Army Sgt. Christopher Griffin of Kincheloe.  I am heading to Chippewa County right now for the funeral. 

Funerals are tough for family, friends and community members, and it's one of the most challenging assignments a reporter can get.  But I hope I can honor this young soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

It'll take me over three hours to get there.  I'll have another update later.