Local Family Prepares To Bury Their Son Killed In Iraq

The parents of Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Williams of Fort Lewis, Wash., are planning a trip to California to bury their son, who was killed overseas by a sniper on Saturday.

Williams was serving in Balad, Iraq, as part of the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, when he was killed. His wife and 11-month-old daughter live in Santa Rosa, Calif., where Williams will be buried.

"Jesse died for his country. Jesse died doing what he wanted to do, and all of us should remember all of the fallen soldiers that did just what Jesse did," said his mother, Janyce Leone.

"Jesse isn't any different. He's just ours, he's just special for us. That's what I want everybody to remember."

Leone said her son loved the job he was doing overseas, but he didn't understand why some Americans were not supportive of their job overseas.

Emerick Real Estate is honoring Williams with a memorial. The tribute can be seen at 1730 Avenida de Mesilla from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.