Rome, NY – The body of Army Specialist Blair Thompson was returned to his family in a brief ceremony today at Griffiss International Airport outside of Rome. Thompson, 19, died June 25 in an ambush by insurgents firing small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The 2008 graduate of Rome Free Academy shipped out in May to Afghanistan, where he...
View full sizeAn honor guard carries a casket containing the body of Specialist Blair Thompson to a hearse shortly after noontime today at Griffiss International Airport.Rome, NY – The body of Army Specialist Blair Thompson was returned to his family in a brief ceremony today at Griffiss International Airport outside of Rome.
Thompson, 19, died June 25 in an ambush by insurgents firing small arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.
The 2008 graduate of Rome Free Academy shipped out in May to Afghanistan, where he was part of Headquarters, 327th Infantry Regiment, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. He was stationed at forward operating base Blessing, in Kunar Province, in eastern Afghanistan.
Army Spc. Blair ThompsonHe is survived by his father, Vincent Thompson, of Little Falls, his mother, Arena Young, of Vernon, and three brothers, Sean, 23, Noah, 9. and Gavin, 6.
Calling hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut St., Rome.
The funeral is 2 p.m. Sunday at St. Peter’s Church, Rome, and will be followed immediately by a military honor ceremony on the grounds at Fort Stanwix.
Burial in Evergreen Cemetery in Lee is private.
John Stith can be reached at jstith@syracuse.com or at 251-5718.