September 20, 2006 -- An El Paso family is preparing to bury their hero.

Sgt. Velton Locklear III was killed Saturday while on patrol in Kirkuk, Iraq.

Locklear was serving his second tour in Iraq and is a 1995 graduate of Eastwood High School where he played football and earned a four-year scholarship to Missouri University.

Family members want El Pasoans to remember Velton for his character and courage.

"When I found out that Velton had died, I was devastated, cause he is a wonderful person, kind heart and to know him is to love him. He is just such a wonderful person, just so special and we have just lost a truly wonderful person and an American hero. He's a hero to all of us," said Cliff Williams, Locklear's cousin.

Locklear leaves behind a wife and two sons, ages 5 and 7.

His funeral arrangements are still pending.