WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Major Cody Khork, a U.S. Army military police officer from Winter Haven, was brought home to Polk County Wednesday afternoon and greeted by a large show of support from law enforcement, military members, and the community.
WATCH: Fallen Major Cody Khork returns home to Winter Haven
A plane carrying Khork’s remains arrived just after 1 p.m. at Lakeland Linder International Airport from Dover Air Force Base. As it landed, a water cannon salute arched over the runway, and a large American flag was suspended between two fire engines.
Khork’s flag-draped casket was then carried off the plane by military personnel. Before the casket was placed into a hearse, Khork’s family was given a private moment on the tarmac.
A multi-agency escort then carried his remains from the airport to Winter Haven. Just outside the airport, dozens of people lined the roadway, many holding American flags as the procession passed.
Several people who gathered said they did not know Khork personally but felt compelled to be there to support his family and honor his service.
“Because these guys belong to us," said Deb McCuthcheon, who was holding back tears. "Doesn’t matter what side of the political aisle you sit on. They all belong to us, and this is a matter of respect and support to his family.”
At the family’s request, the procession route passed Florida Southern College, where Khork attended and participated in ROTC.
Khork, 35, was killed in the opening hours of the conflict with Iran while serving overseas in Kuwait.
He will remain at a funeral home in Winter Haven through the weekend. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, and he will be laid to rest Monday at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
Sheriff Grady Judd said a deputy will stand watch over him at all times from his arrival in Polk County through his burial.
Patriot Guard riders from all over the state assisted in the Wednesday procession.
“The biggest thing is letting the family know they’re not alone. When they face something like this, you know, it’s definitely a drastic time of their life and — we like to give them some comfort knowing, like I said, they’re not alone in this," said Dave Shelton, the state captain.
Khork served an accomplished military career with multiple overseas deployments.
RELATED: Tampa veterans mark 35 years since Desert Storm as US military operations unfold in Iran
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