SAN ANTONIO – A U.S. Marine killed in a training accident last month was escorted from San Antonio in a procession as he returned home to New Braunfels to be laid to rest.
Marine Lance Cpl. Guillermo “Willie” Perez was killed July 30 during a training mission off the coast of California. He died alongside eight other Marines.
On Saturday, Lance Cpl. Perez’s casket arrived at 11 a.m. at San Antonio International Airport. It was escorted by officers with the New Braunfels Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for his return to New Braunfels.
The procession arrived in New Braunfels around noon, officials said.
The New Braunfels Fire Department had two ladder trucks set up at the South Seguin Avenue entrance, creating an arch with a United States flag hanging between the two ladders, officials said.
There were additional fire trucks from other fire agencies, as well.
Residents who wanted to show their support during the procession flew flags at half-staff from dawn until dusk on Saturday.
RELATED: Marine from New Braunfels killed in training accident off Southern California coast