BEAUMONT, Texas — One local hero made his final journey home.
Senior Airman Ian Judah Taschinger, an Air Force veteran, was a graduate of Port Neches - Groves High School. He was a member of the football team and he played tennis, but according to his family he always had a burning passion to serve his country.
"He went right in within months after graduation, " Thomas Taschinger said. "We were so proud of him."
Judah was killed in a motorcycle accident back on September 15, 2019 in New Mexico. Thomas Taschinger, Judah's father, says they will miss their son. They're clinging to the memories of his time here on earth.
"He was a wonderful young man. We love him and miss him so much. He had a great life. I mean it was a short life but I wish it could've continued," Taschinger said.
That's when the Patriot Guard Riders of Southeast Texas stepped in to bring his body home. They coordinated with over 100 bikers and law enforcement to escort Judah's remains from New Mexico to Nederland.
Today they were able to present those cremains to the Taschinger family.
"So as we walk away today from this it doesn't stop. We have to carry those prayers for not only our hero but for his family and friends because their journey doesn't stop here today. Their journey through this process continues," Emmet Hollier with the Patriot Guard said.
It's something the family says they will remember forever.
"We're very grateful. They took some time out of their Sunday afternoon to help us grieve a little bit and it was very meaningful and very special," Taschinger said.