Aaron Toppen, Mokena solider killed in Afghanistan, laid to rest

MOKENA, Ill. (WLS) -- Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to Private First Class Aaron Toppen, a 19-year-old soldier killed in an apparent friendly fire accident in Afghanistan.

A large American flag waved over the entry to Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, where a few hundred mourners - including a two-star general - attended Toppen's funeral.

The Mokena native and four other U.S. service members were apparently killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan on June 9, after they called in air support during a Taliban ambush.

"We all have a hole in our hearts about the size of a 19-year-old hero," said Toppen's uncle Jack Winter. "We'll never be able to fill that."

Senior Pastor Dr. Tim Harlow said the young soldier died doing what he wanted to do.

"He had a tattoo on his chest that had a cross with dog tags draped across. It says, 'For those I love, I sacrifice,' an army motto. The dog tags were both his grandparents' dog tags," Harlow said. "I mean, that's who he was."

Toppen's casket was placed on top of a horse drawn carriage, and as it passed, many saluted in silence or simply put their hand on their heart. The procession came to rest at St. John's Cemetery, where family and many of Aaron's childhood friends gathered for a graveside service.

"There are 30 people here who said they are Aaron's best friend and Aaron would say, 'You're right.' He didn't have one best friend, he was friends with everyone," said Pastor Harlow.

"Aaron represents something very good about humanity, about this country. We are proud he represented positive lives," said Winter.

"This young man didn't have much time on this earth and unfortunately, he paid the ultimate price," said Cpt. Dustin Cammack, Illinois National Guard.

Toppen's death comes at a difficult time for his family. His father died unexpectedly three months ago.