ALTON - The family of a fallen soldier waits for his return.
Family members tell us Bradley Espinoza's mother went to Delaware to bring his body back to the Valley. The 26-year-old was killed in Iraq earlier this week.
Relatives are still too broken up to talk to us today, but community leaders are rallying to offer support.
"He's our hero. He's our son. He's the Valley's son. He's the US's son. We want to honor him for his bravery," says Commander Jose Vasquez of the Last Patrol, a group of Valley veterans.
"Our goal is to let the whole world know there is another fallen hero fighting for our rights...fighting for our country. And we want to honor them."
Hidalgo County sent its veterans' service officer, Felix Rodriguez.
He tells us, "The Espinoza family will be in our prayers. Bradley is in our prayers."
Rodriguez wants the community to pray and display flags or signs for the fallen soldier.
Espinoza is the 29th Valley casualty from Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Every time it hits us... it had been a while, but we have got to remember. And this brings us back to remember we're still at war," says Vasquez.
Of those 29 casualties, Espinoza is the fourth one who attended Mission High School. Mission CISD administrators and Alton city leaders say they're ready to help if the Espinoza family needs it.
School officials shared Espinoza's high school photo from his junior year. We're told he graduated as a Texas Scholar and from Tech Prep.
City leaders say they've been in contact with the family. They add at the very least, they'll create a resolution in the fallen soldier's honor at the next city commission meeting on Tuesday.
They also say they're available to help and participate in arrangements for the fallen solider.
No vigils or ceremonies have been set yet. But as soon as we find out, we'll let you know at home.
