A soldier fallen but never forgotten, 24-year-old Sergeant Charles Andrew Jankowski will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones.

"Life is never going to be the same without you, but you're never going to be forgotten. You'll forever be our hero," said Felicia Kirkland, his sister.

One of Panama City's bravest men, Jankowski was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device on March 28 while serving in Baghdad. Monday his body was laid to rest.

Hundreds showed up to pay their respects; some didn't even know him. Family members say the outpouring of love from the community is what has kept them going since learning the news.

"It's wonderful to see how many people respect him and are honoring him the way we feel he should be," said Beverly Morris, his sister.

Jankowski has earned a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his courage.

"His sincere desire to bring peace and stability to a foreign nation is an example of what all American soldiers strive to achieve," said a fellow military member as his family was presented with the awards.

Tears fell from the eyes of his loved ones as they removed the flag from his coffin. It's a small token of tribute for a man who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"Gonna miss him. I really don't know what to say about it. I'm lost for words," said John Lock, a cousin.