Fallen Army Ranger Sgt. Tanner Higgins Returns Home

April 23, 2012 Greenville, TX at 1100 hours the chartered plane, carrying the remains of Sgt. Tanner S. Higgins, arrived to a Heroes' Welcome. The family and friends were joined by local military active duty personnel, law enforcement agencies, fire and rescue departments, veteran groups, Patriot Guard Riders of North and East Texas.

After the plane disembarked a US flag draped wood coffin, family members gathered to welcome their loved one home and held hands while praying. Once the family was ready, members of the 1st Battalion Army Ranger Honor Guard conducted a dignified transfer on the tarmac from the plane to a waiting white hearse, flanked by a squad of US Army Ranger Honor Guard.

The procession was led by local police, fire & rescue trucks followed by 200 hundred motorcycles with members of the Patriot Guard Riders from North and East Texas. As the procession left the airfield the roads were lined by citizens from around the community of Greenville, and a short trip on an interstate highway to Sulphur Springs and finally ending in the town of Winnsboro. Along the route the roads were lined with local citizens displaying their respects and gratitude for the sacrifice made on their behalf. It was at times moving and touching.

Once the procession made its way to its final destination the honor guard conducted a dignified ceremony as the family and attendees gathered around the entrance to the funeral home where his family received guests.

Below is an article found on a local news web site:

"They just said he went out on foot patrol, got in a fire fight, and was killed," Gerald Higgins said.
"I knew there was a chance of this, but you never can quite prepare for it," Danny Higgins said.
In 2009, Tanner's mother quoted him in an article for the Sulphur Springs News Telegram.
"It's not like the movies at all... It's actually very scary getting shot at and not knowing whether to stay put or move," he reportedly said.
The experience changed him.
"It taught me I wasn't nearly as tough as I acted, but that I was a lot tougher than I thought," he said in the article.
The loss has overwhelmed his father.
"Every few minutes I just start crying thinking I'm never gonna see him again," he said.
But Danny Higgins believes, serving his country is the only way his son would have wanted to go.