WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY - Nightly news stories on Afghanistan seem distant to most people.

But the brutal reality of the war has come home to the family of a Pennsylvania patriot who was killed in the line of duty.

Marine Lance Corporal Abram Howard, 21, from Lycoming County was killed in Afghanistan Tuesday when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb.

Despite the tragedy, Howard’s family is taking comfort knowing he died doing what he was called to do.

"We couldn't ask for a better son," said Constance Howard, the soldier's mother.

She and her husband Bart have both their American Flag and their United States Marine Corps Flag at half staff in respect to their son.

This is a military family- Abe- was the 12th member to become a Marine.

"He carried the tradition and it was to employ peace around the world. That’s what he believed in," said the soldier's father Bart Howard.

He died while trying to carry out that mission. And he had plans to continue and grow as a marine.

"He’s always on your side. Always looking out; a protector," said the soldier's cousin Jeff Dincher.

Candles light the spot on West Third Street where a banner bearing his picture hangs from a light post. And friends have been stopping by to pay respects.

"He’s an incredible brother, son, his family is amazing. He is the best friend I could ever ask for. I know he was a great Marine," said friend Michael Keiser of Williamsport.

The death is hitting people hard in Williamsport hard. And the Howard’s need support from the community

"When we have a loss like that is it worth it? I hope that the community can help this family to feel like it was worth it," said Chuck Wannop, a therapist with the Williamsport Vet center. The center, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, counsels veterans and their families.

"Peace is not free. Freedom isn’t free, you have to pay for it. Unfortunately this was what we had to pay," said the Bart and Constance Howard.