According to Fox 28, Central Ohio is mourning the loss of a fallen army soldier from Grove City today.
The family of 27-year-old Joey Riley was informed late Monday that their son was killed while on mission in Afghanistan.
Rodney Riley, Joey’s father, says the family plans to fly to Delaware Wednesday. The dignified transfer of the army solider will have Joey back in Ohio by Thanksgiving Day.
“We are proud of our son and the sacrifice he made,” says the Riley family statement. “He loved the Army and felt strongly that freedom is worth the fight. He loved Grove City and we have already felt comforted by the love and support of this community…”
Riley was due back to Fort Bragg next week, but had one last mission as an army sniper before his return.
Riley grew up in Grove City, played football for The Greyhounds and attended Capital University.
The family asks donations be made to Joey’s home church in Columbus and the Children of Nicaragua, where his mother attends mission trips.
Arrangements are still being made for Joey’s funeral and military burial.
If interested in donating in Joey’s name, please send your donation to Memorial Baptist Church, 2435 Eakin Rd., Columbus OH 43204
