November 24, 2008 Mansfield soldier killed in Iraq laid to rest Play video

(NECN: Brad Puffer, Mansfield, Mass.) - A horse drawn carriage slowly carried the flag draped coffin of 21-year-old army Specialist Corey Shea. The cavalry scout had been in Iraq for a year. Last week he was shot along with other members of his troop by a renegade iraqi soldier. Mourners then filled St. Mary’s church to say goodbye to a friend, a son and a brother.

Kristin Anderson: "Even in these times of mourning I feel his spirit as though it is around me as though he is telling me everything will be ok. He will never be forgotten."

Shea had recently returned to his hometown while on leave – visiting the high school where he graduated in 2005, speaking to students and former teachers. It was clear to many who saw him then how much this young man had grown. And how important it was to serve his country. Father Stephen Avila: "He entered into it as he entered into so many aspects of his life, with determination and enthusiasm, with courage and confidence that there indeed was a purpose to his call."

His captain at fort hood – where Shea was stationed before heading to Iraq presented his family was presented with a bronze star and purple heart. Shea was stationed at ft hood Texas before heading to Iraq. Capt John Eliott praising Shea as a loving man, a good soldier and a hero.

Capt John Eliott: "Whatever the mission, Shea was always ready to move out and get the job done. The fact that Specialist Shea enlisted in the army during a time

of war knowing full well what that meant speaks volume about his character." Shea had hoped to study criminal justice once day. Instead, soldiers carried his coffin from the church as Senator John Kerry and governor Deval Patrick embraced his mother and other family members. As tears flowed, Shea’s coffin then headed to his final resting place - at the Massachusetts national cemetery in Bourne.