Family and friends of a fallen Oneida County soldier are still waiting for his body to return home. Rome native Blair Thompson was killed during an insurgent attack in Afghanistan on Friday. Our Sarah Hagen has more as friends and family mourn his death.

VERNON, N.Y. - Friend Jeremy Aiello said, "He was ambushed on a patrol mission. He was a gunman. There was nothing he could have really done."

U.S. Army Specialist Blair Thompson died in Afghanistan Friday.

Now, his friends and family want the story of their fallen soldier to be heard.

Friend Noah Bowers said, "He was always ready and willing to go on another mission. He was always excited about it all. He never regretted going. That's where he wanted to be."

The 19-year-old was a 2008 graduate from Rome Free Academy. After he left high school, he immediately went to basic training for the Army.

He was deployed to Afghanistan for the first time, about one month ago.

For his older brother, also a fellow soldier, he couldn't be more proud of his brother's 'ultimate sacrifice'.

Older Brother Sean Thompson said, "I want everyone to know that he was a great a patriot, great American, and a fantastic brother. Could not have asked for a better brother."

Younger Brother Bryant Benway said, "It is unbearable. I cant believe what happened. I am devastated and can't stop crying and thinking about him."

And now Blair Thompson's younger brother is thinking about following in his big brother's footsteps and carrying on his legacy. It's news that left the family with mixed emotions."

Benway said, "to finish his dream, to end the war."

Grandmother Dorothy Johnson responded, "I am very, very proud. But scared to death."

Proud. It was a word that was used over and over when talking about Thompson.

But the family says - it doesn't stop there. Sacrifices are made everyday in war.

Sean Thompson said, "there is just so much out there that soldiers, marines, and airmen and seamen. All of them. And we are willing to give our lives for everyone."

A sacrifice, family and friends hope is always honored.

Thompson's body is expected to return home to Griffiss Airport sometime Tuesday.

We had previously reported that Thompson's body would be arriving at Griffiss Airport in Rome today. We have since learned that is not the case and no official date or time has been decided.

Calling hours will take place at Barry Funeral Home in Rome and the funeral will be at St. Peter's Catholic Church. A time and date have not yet been announced.