Huling, 25, was shot in the chest May 7 while on foot patrol in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, according to his mother, Deborah Huling of West Chester Twp.
He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
Fairfield Twp. resident Tom Williams observed the arrival of the Kalitta Charters plane carrying Huling. His daughter and son-in-law also rode in the Patriot Guard procession.
“I’m proud of the country and their service; we owe it to them,” Williams said. “I’ve been to three (arrivals of fallen soldiers) and it’s just hard.”
The Cincinnati Emerald Society Police & Fire Pipes & Drums played Sunday before the procession of more than 50 motorcycles and emergency service personnel — including Butler County Sheriff’s Office, Dayton Police, Cincinnati Fire and Fairfield Twp. Fire — escorted Huling’s casket to Hoddap Funeral Home in West Chester Twp.
Huling’s death was the result of gunshot wounds inflicted by a man in an Afghan National Army uniform, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. Huling was posthumously honored with the Purple Heart award.
A visitation and funeral Mass are open to the public. Visitation is from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Moeller High School, 9001 Montgomery Road, Montgomery. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael’s Church, 11144 Spinner Ave., Sharonville.
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