MAN, W.Va. (WCHS) — Former National Guard Staff Sergeant Tyrone Lamyaithong was welcomed back Thursday in his hometown of Man as a hero.
Lamyaithong made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting with the Ukrainian Army. He volunteered to join the fight in Ukraine following his time in the National Guard.
He’s being remembered by those in his community like his teacher Donna Thibault for his dedication to service.
“He was small in stature, but he was determined,” Thibault said. “He was a bodybuilder and runner. His middle name meant warrior. And I said, ‘This seems so special that he was a soldier.'”
Lamyaithong’s body was transported from Columbus, Ohio, escorted by West Virginia State Police as soon as it crossed state lines, and by many first responders in Logan County when they crossed over the county line.
His sacrifice weighs heavy on the hearts of his community as it comes together to support his family.
“We just really want to honor Tyrone’s sacrifice that he chose to go and fight for freedom for a group of people he doesn’t even know,” Local pastor Beverly Baker said. “We know the scriptures tell us that greater love hath no man and then he lay down his life for a friend, and Tyrone did that.”
American flags and candles lined the streets as Lamyaithong returned home to Man for the last time.
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“We’re like a small family down here,” Man Mayor John Fekete said. “When we lose one of our own, we come together, try to wrap our arms around the family and mourn with the family and try to help them get through this best we can.”