The town of Waycross, Georgia, is preparing a heartfelt tribute to honor Sgt. Kennedy Sanders, one of the three Georgia soldiers who tragically lost their lives during a drone strike in Jordan. The City's mayor has announced plans for the community to line the streets in a poignant homecoming gesture as the sergeant's remains are expected to return home within the next week.
Waycross residents and beyond will have the chance to pay their respects at a viewing set for Feb. 16 at the city auditorium, with a high turnout anticipated. According to a FOX5 Atlanta report, a service will follow the next day at Ware Middle School's auditorium, then a private burial at Oakland Cemetery. To extend a personal touch to the soldier's memory, a street in Waycross will be named in her honor, and the mayor intends to proclaim Sanders' birthday as a day of remembrance.
In Carroll County, similar arrangements are being made to commemorate Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, who will be honored with his name affixed to the Veterans Memorial Park's wall of fallen heroes. A ceremony, for which a date has not yet been confirmed, is expected to draw a significant crowd, as the community, along with military personnel and the American Legion's rifle squad, comes together to pay homage to Rivers' service.
Notably, FOX5 Atlanta communicated the heavy sentiments of the local veteran community, as shared by retired US Army Lt. Col. Barry Gardner. "My condolenes to the family of all three soldiers. They've given the ultimate sacrifice, and we're here to honor them," Gardner expressed, reflecting on the familiar pain of losing comrades-in-arms. Both Sanders and Rivers, alongside Specialist Breonna Moffett from Savannah, were part of the 718th Engineering Company when the fatal incident occurred.
Each of these fallen soldiers has left behind families, friends, and communities for whom their absence will be forever felt. Sanders, known affectionately as "Munchkin," is remembered by her family for the full life she led, even beyond her military service, her aspirations to witness the world, and her involvement in coaching youth sports. Moffett's loss, mourned deeply by her mother, whose heartrendingly described Moffett as her "Angel," is felt across the community, including by the Windsor Forest Mighty Marching Band where Moffett was a revered former drum major.
