Church Honors Fallen Soldier

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A soldier killed nearly 2-weeks ago in Afghanistan is honored in Jacksonville.

28-year-old Army Captain, John Tinsley died when an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle.

Dozens gathered at Believers Joy Worship Center for a service to honor him. Captain Tinsley's mother and brother attend the church.

Like most everyone else at the church, Dallas Cook, has never met Captain Tinsley. "If you're family, you're family and you're part of our church," Cook said.

Patriotic songs rang across the small church and a poem written by Cook for the Tinsley family was read.

"Even though he's not here, his spirit is and we all feel it," said Cook.

Outside the service people driving by could see that Captain Tinsley has not been forgotten. A praying solider sits outside the church with Captain Tinsley's name above it.

It's a sight that has meaning even to those who don't know the fallen soldier.

Pat Rigdon has a son serving overseas in the military. "I just can really relate as a mother. That sacrifice that the family has made for our freedom and we just thank them so much," Pat said.

Captain Tinsley will be buried at the Arlington National Cemetery on September 3rd. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

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