A procession with military escorts will honor a fallen Western Colorado soldier Thursday afternoon in Grand Junction.

According to Military.com, United States Air Force Captain William H. Dubois, 30,  of Newcastle, was killed December 1st when the F-16 he was piloting crashed shortly after take off from a Middle East airbase.

Col. Steve Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, said the aircraft experienced maintenance problems shortly after take off on a combat mission against ISIS. Dubois was attempting to return to the base when the jet crashed. Warren said the pilot did not eject, nor was it known if he attempted to eject.

The body of Captain Dubois is scheduled to arrive at Grand Junction Regional Airport at 12:15 Thursday, December 11th. It is customary for civilians to line the streets to honor those who have died in service. The procession,  from 12:30pm- 1:10pm, will start at the airport, down Horizon to 12th, and then right on to Grand , ending up at Grand Valley Funeral Home at 1022 Grand Avenue.

Anyone who is available and would like to show their support is encouraged to line up along the procession route to pay respects to Captain Dubois. This young man gave his life in the fight for freedom. I want to be there to show my appreciation and gratefulness for his sacrifice.

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