Funeral Held For Massachusetts Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

Family, friends and dignitaries have honored a 22-year-old Army medic from Massachusetts who was killed in Afghanistan two weeks ago.

The Telegram & Gazette reports Cpl. John Dawson's father Michael thanked his son in a funeral eulogy "for the best 22 years of our lives."

A Mass was held for Dawson on Monday in Upton, and he was buried with full military honors in the Northbridge village of Whitinsville where he grew up. Dawson leaves his parents and a sister.

Gov. Charlie Baker, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey were among those attending his funeral.

Baker ordered flags flown at half-staff Monday. So did Gov. Steve Beshear of Kentucky, where Dawson served with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell.

Dawson died April 8 when his group was attacked on an escort mission.