GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Monday was the homecoming for a Kent County Marine killed during a training exercise near San Diego. The body of Captain Miguel Nava arrived in West Michigan at Gerald R. Ford International Airport on the way to his final resting place in Traverse City, where he was born.
The plane carrying Captain Nava's body arrived just after noon, with many watching the casket be removed from the plane through the windows inside the airport's terminal.
Grand Rapids Fire Captain Matt Keusch wanted people outside of the airport, too.
"Last night, kind of put out the social media blast here," he says. "The best place to reach, get a hold of people."
The call was for people to line the roads and overpasses along the route from Grand Rapids to Traverse City. He wasn't surprised to get a large turnout.
"Anything we can do to help our service members out, whether they're active or retired, we're here for them," says Keusch.
Dozens lined up along the exit from the airport, including members of multiple fire departments. Trucks from the Grand Rapids and Kentwood fire departments joined to fly a massive flag over the road.
That kind of cooperation to support a fallen Marine, Keusch says, is part of what makes West Michigan great.
"That's what we're all about as Americans," he says.
As Nava's body made its way back to his hometown, Keusch hopes the cheers and salutes along the way show the Nava family they aren't alone.
"Thank you for your family's service and sacrifice," he says.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.