Fallen hero to make his way home

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A fallen soldier will make his final trip home to the Wabash Valley.

The body of Sgt. Dale Griffin will return to Terre Haute on Monday. Griffin was serving in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was in was hit by an improvised explosive device.

The death of the Terre Haute native made national news last week, as his body returned to the United States along with 18 other Americans. Griffin's flag draped casket was the only one allowed to be seen by the media during what's called a dignified transfer ceremony.

His parents signed a release, making Griffin's the first casket since President Barack Obama lifted a ban on media coverage of returning war casualties. Griffin's parents attended the ceremony and were able to meet with the President

The Griffin's returned to Terre Haute after that ceremony, but they came home without their son. Griffin will make the trip home Monday morning, arriving at the Terre Haute International Airport. Once he arrives, a police escort will take Griffin's body to the Greiner Funeral Home on North 13th St.

The procession will head west on State Road 42 and turn north on State Road 46. The escort will make its way to U.S. 40 or Wabash Ave., where it will turn west. It travel along Wabash until they hit 13th St. and turn north.

Visitation for Griffin will take place Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The funeral service is set for 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Terre Haute South Vigo High School.