Staff Sergeant Willie James Harley is finally home amongst great tragedy as a member of the South Carolina National Guard.
His remains touched down at Aiken Regional Airport Saturday morning. The 48 year old was killed October 1 when an IED was detonated under the vehicle he was using to conduct clearance operations.
SSG Harley joined the Guard back in 1981 and proudly deployed to Afghanistan July 9 as a member of the 1221st Graniteville Engineer Company. He was slated to return some time in the summer of 2011. .
A motorcade transported his flag-draped casket to Simmons Funeral home, where further arrangements are being conducted. The family wished to have their privacy respected, as no interviews or media intervention was allowed over the weekend. Further details will be released this week.
