It was evident that Sergeant Webster was a true hero.
Hundreds of friends and family from across the country made their way to Hartley this afternoon to say their goodbyes to a man truly dedicated to his country.
"He was a very good example of what the American soldier is." said SSG Tim Haigwood.
It was during a patrol mission in Kirkuk, Iraq that 28 year old LeRoy Webster was killed.
But answering the call of his nation says more about who this soldier was.
"He was one of our heroes. Because he dedicated himself to serving this great nation and dedicated himself to taking care of his soldiers." Said MG Abraham Turner, Cheif of Staff of the US Strategic Command.
The NCO knew what it was like to be at war.
He was deployed several times. Twice to Afghanistan and most recently to Iraq where he'd been there since January.
Sergeant webster took his commitment all the way from the front lines to his home.
"As I watched his children, they're young girls and you can't help but see the emotion that all leaders deal with when we loose a family member but more importantly these young children now without a father." Said BG Time Orr, Adjutant General for State of Iowa.
His family was joined by neighbors, friends, and soldiers who served along side Sgt. Webster but were recently asked to serve once more.
"There is that bond, that brotherhood that last between us and you never want to get that call but when you do you gotta step up." Said SSG Tim Haigwood.
Saying goodbye is never easy for anyone. Speaking fondly of a life cut short.
"He was always smiling and joking. That's just who he was." Adds SGT Kyle Miller.
"Sgt. Webster was the pivitol man in what we need to do." Said FT Tim Haigwood.
Sergeant Webster leaves behind so much more than a wife and three daughters.
He leaves behind a legacy of his own and the lives he's touched along the way.
During Sergeant Webster's military career he received numerous awards including the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal.
Following his death Sgt. Webster was promoted to Staff Sergeant by the Department of Army.
Staff Sergeant Webster was the 71st person with ties to Iowa to die in Iraq or Afghanistan since march of 2003.
