Hundreds mourn Indiana soldier killed in Afghanistan

CHESTERTON, Ind. — Hundreds of people filed into a northwestern Indiana church to say goodbye and thank you to a soldier killed by a bombing in Afghanistan.

The drive leading to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Chesterton was lined with American flags as mourners arrived Monday for visitation hours for Army Spc. James Butz of Porter. The 21-year-old combat medic was killed Sept. 28 while relatives say he was treating an injured soldier.

Matt Handzlik of Chesterton tells the Post-Tribune that he didn’t know the soldier but came to show respect for his military service.

Lorri McWharter of Chesterton tells The Times of Munster that Butz was a friend of her son. She says that Butz had said he was willing to die for his country.

The soldier’s funeral is Tuesday afternoon in Chesterton.