Fallen Marine Returns to Central TX

On Wednesday the family of Marine Lance Corporal Cody Stanley welcomed his remains back to Central Texas. The Patriot Guard was on hand to escort the body of Stanley from the airport. Stanley was killed in Afghanistan last month while stepping on an IED.

The charter carrying the body of Stanley arrived at ABIA Wednesday around noon. A water cannon salute formed an arch as the jet taxied to the Texas National Guard Hanger.

Stanley was from the small Bastrop County town of Rosanky, and he attended Smithville High School.

As his motorcade went south down Hwy 183 the line of vehicles was so long it took nearly three minutes to pass by. As it did, several people stood along the roadway holding flags and saluting.

As the procession got to Lockhart, people stood shoulder to shoulder as the escort of steel and canvas circled the town square.

Stanley was brought to Lockhart because McCurdy Funeral Home is coordinating the services for his family.

While his body is at the Lockhart funeral home, a special Marine Corps tradition will take place. A marine is standing guard next to Cody Stanley's flag draped casket. It is a 24 hour watch. Those assigned to this duty may not have served with the Lance Corporal, but retired marine Woody Browning says they are still brothers.

“Every marine there in their heart they are there," Browning said.