Wallace Funeral in Big Spring

The fighting in Afghanistan continues, and every week U.S. soldiers put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. Tuesday was a sad day in the Permian Basin as residents of Big Spring said goodbye to one of their own. Captain Ellery Wallace died on August 29th in Afghanistan following an attack on his military vehicle, which was hit by a rocket propelled grenade. He was not the only soldier killed in that attack.

Wallace grew up in Big Spring, leaving town when he was 14-years-old. He's survived by his wife, their four children, and his parents, whom currently live in Elkhart, Texas.

Hundreds attended his service Tuesday morning at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and many even took part in the graveside service at Mount Olive Memorial Park. The Patriot Guard also took part in the service for Wallace, whom was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.

According to a recent report in the Washington Post, more than 1,200 U.S. soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan since the war began in 2001. Wallace was one of many from this area that was killed in the line of duty.