Kyle McClain Mourned, Remembered in Rochester Hills Ceremony

Friends and family members of Kyle McClain gathered in Rochester Hills on Thursday morning to honor his life and ultimate sacrifice.

McClain, a 2005  graduate, died Aug. 1 in Afghanistan.

During a eulogy at his funeral at St. Mary of the Hills in Rochester Hills, his mom, Geraldine McClain, and his wife, Lisa McClain, talked about the soldier they loved and loss, according to a report in The Oakland Press.

The fire departments from Rochester and Rochester Hills hoisted an American flag across the entrance area to the funeral. 

Gov. Rick Snyder ordered U.S. flags to be lowered to half-staff Thursday in honor of McClain. 

"Sgt. McClain made the ultimate sacrifice protecting the freedoms we enjoy and the country he called home," said Snyder in a statement. "I extend heartfelt condolences to Sgt. McClain’s wife, Lisa, his entire family and friends as we honor and remember this true American hero."      

McClain, 25, was a soldier in the Michigan National Guard assigned to the 1433^rd Engineer Company of the 507^th Engineer Battalion in the 177^th Military Police Brigade in Kalamazoo, Mich. 

He died in Salim Aka, Afghanistan. The soldiers were clearing roadways of improvised explosive devices (IED) when he was killed, McClain's mom, Geraldine, told the Detroit Free Press.

McClain studied engineering at Ferris State University for two years before joining the U.S. Army National Guard. He was a combat engineer serving in Afghanistan, having already served tours of duty in Korea and Iraq.

McClain was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart, in addition to .