Fallen Soldier’s Services Held Monday

GLADEWATER — After an honorable East Texas homecoming, funeral services for a fallen soldier were held Monday in Gladewater. On Saturday, spectators holding American flags lined the sides of roads as the motorcade bringing home the fallen soldier approached Gladewater. Officials estimated more than 1,000 people lined U.S. 80 and side streets waiting to pay their respects to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Bradley Justin Gaudet, 31, of Gladewater, as he came home for the last time. The pilot was killed June 5 in a helicopter crash while serving in Afghanistan. It was his third tour of duty.

Gaudet’s body was accompanied by family, honor guard members and U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler. State Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, and Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview were waiting for Gaudet’s arrival at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. Bikers escorted the family and casket to Gladewater.