Spc. Orgaard Honorably Transferred | Video

Alex Hagan | 12/10/2012

Last week two North Dakota National Guard soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan. Monday afternoon, the Guard conducted an honorable transfer for one of those soldiers in Bismarck. Family, friends and soldiers waited at the Bismarck`s Aviation Support Facility as Tyler Orgaard`s body was returned home after he was killed last week.

"Certainly they were both soldiers that, I think, everybody respected and at the same time everybody loved," said Sgt. First Class Steve Hoikkala.

Orgaards remains were lowered from the plane and taken into the hearse.

"The process of getting the remains home and to the family from wherever they were at beforehand," said Sgt. Dan Wieland.

Honor Team members carried the casket into the hearse to complete the honorary transfer as those who loved him watched in silence. Some of the soldiers who were part of the honor guard had never met Orgaard, but said it was as much an honor as it was a somber moment.

"It`s hard, not just for the families, but it`s hard for the unit, the soldiers, the family and friends that served with them," said Hoikkala.

"It`s our job to honor that and pay the respects to that veteran and their family," said Wieland.

Specialist Orgaard and Sgt. First Class Linde were both part of the North Dakota National Guard 818th Engineer Company. They were killed in action a week ago. Those who paid their respects want everyone to remember and honor them.

"Just remember the good things that they did and the good times and the memories that you shared with them," said Hoikkala.

Orgaard`s funeral will be held Thursday morning at 10:30 AM at Corpus Christi Church in Bismarck.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY