Sergeant Blake Stephens of Pocatello paid the ultimate sacrifice and today, his body returned home for good.

Judging by the way the community came out in such large numbers to show support for the Stephens family, it seems clear he will not be forgotten.

Sgt. Rosalie Bedke, Idaho National Guard: "It's hard to have to bring one back this way. We're in charge of the body. Nobody else should be touching the body. As soldiers, we take care of our own."

Blake Stephens was more than just a soldier.

Sgt. Robert Morgan, U.S. Army Reserves: "He was the cream of the crop, the top of the barrel - it doesn't get any better. He was prepared, he was disciplined, he was a friend. He was a soldier through and through."

The same values carried over into his personal life, as a friend, as a tattoo artist.

Janelle Christensen, attended parade: "Heather Tensel works in our office and Blake did her tattoos. I went with her one time when he was doing her tattoo and got to know him and everything they said about him in the hour time I was there was true."

...Forever touching the lives of those who knew him, and even those who never got the chance to meet him.

Cindy Dickman, attended parade: "It shows the family how much we appreciate what they do."

Jamie Bloxham, attended parade: "Our condolences are with you and we'll keep you in our prayers."

Sgt. Robert Morgan, U.S. Army Reserves: "It must be a fantastic family to bring someone up as high quality of a person as Blake was."

Family will receive friends on Friday evening, May 18th from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Colonial Funeral Home and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday morning at the church.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. at the LDS church off Bartz Way in Pocatello. Well over a thousand people are expected to be in attendance.