Longview News-Journal, Aug. 11, 2009:  CARTHAGE—Forming a fortress of American flags, members of the Patriot Guard encircled St. William of Vercelli Catholic Church of Carthage on Monday afternoon to pay tribute to a fallen soldier.

“I never met Alex,” said Army Staff Sgt. Miguel Fabbiani of his brother in arms while taking shade under a cedar tree. “But that’s beside the point; he’s one of us, he’s our brother. We’re here to pay respect for his service and to his family.”

Army Staff Sgt. 1st Class Alejandro “Alex” Granado III was among three people killed Aug. 2 during an ambush in eastern Afghanistan.

Granado, 42, retired from the Army less than a year ago but had returned for a mission when he came under attack, the family said.

He was among three Special Forces National Guard soldiers who were killed when their patrol vehicle snagged a wire attached to a homemade bomb, according to a military statement.

With flag poles firmly anchored into the ground, guard members seemed undaunted by the sweltering heat as military personnel, close family friends and Rusk County officials made their way into the church.

“We have a job to do,” said East Texas Patriot Guard member Michael “Big Mike” Eubank. “We want to show these men and women that we are here, and are appreciative of their sacrifice and service.”

After a 16-mile trek to the Tatum Cemetery, the Granado family was welcomed by hundreds of people, as they slowly surrounded the family and the camouflage vault of Granado.

A replica of the Liberty Bell brought from Fort Worth for the funeral slowly tolled three times before falling silent. Only faint sobs from family members and the occasional breeze whisking through pine branches could be heard as the honor guard inched the American flag-draped casket from the black hearse.

“The family is taking this really hard, and so is this community,” said longtime Tatum resident and family friend Robin Layman. “When you live in a small town like this, these kinds of events can really affect the community. He comes from a hard-working family, a loving family. He’s our American hero.”

After honor guard members fired volleys in salute to Granado and presented the family U.S. flags, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, thanked the family for Granado’s service.

“This is a grateful community,” Gohmert said. “He has made our country a safer place today and for many generations to come.”

Clutching a wrinkled handkerchief damp with tears, Dionicia Cruz slowly kneeled before her brother’s casket to kiss it.

“Don’t … don’t go away please,” she shouted while embracing family members. “Please don’t leave!”

Granado also is survived by his parents, Rosalinda and Alejandro Granado Jr.; sons, Alex Granado IV and Hasson Granado; daughter, Amanda Granado; brothers, Staff Sgt. Jose Granado and Rolando Granado; and sisters, Cynthia Granado and Susana Granado. He signed up for military service before graduating from Tatum High School in 1986. His military career spanned 23 years, having served in Desert Storm in 1991, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.