Fallen soldier U.S. Army Spc. Garrett Fant returns home

A procession made up of several law enforcement agencies passed through South Lake Tahoe late Wednesday night to deliver the body of fallen soldier U.S. Army Spc. Garrett Fant, who was killed on Sept. 26 in Afghanistan.
More than a dozen vehicles from the Nevada Highway Patrol, California Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sheriff's Office, El Dorado County Sheriff's Office and South Lake Tahoe Police Department made up the procession, which followed the hearse that carried Fant to McFarlane Mortuary. Meanwhile, patrol officers stopped at each intersection through town, saluting the procession as it went by.
Fant's body arrived Wednesday evening at Reno Tahoe International Airport. Weather conditions at the Lake Tahoe Airport forced a change in plans earlier in the evening. Fant, 21, attended South Tahoe High School and had planned on returning to South Shore to attend Lake Tahoe Community College after his service commitment was finished, according to family members. His mother is Julie Farrell of South Lake Tahoe, father John Fant of American Canyon, Calif., sister Shanna Askins of Placerville, brother James Keough of San Diego, grandmother Beverly Towle of South Lake Tahoe and grandfather Robert Fant of American Canyon.

Fant died in Helmand Providence, Afghanistan after being wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device on Sept. 26, 2011. He was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, in Fort Riley, Kansas. Spc. Fant, was an indirect fire infantryman who was on his first deployment. His awards included the combat infantryman's badge, NATO medal, Afghanistan campaign medal with one campaign star and the Army service ribbon.
On Thursday, Oct. 6, there will be a public viewing at McFarlane Mortuary during the hours of 4 to 7pm.
On Friday, October 7, services will be at 10 a.m. at Sierra Community Church. Following services Friday afternoon the public is invited to a celebration of life at Classic Cue. There will be displays of photos and flowers, with music by the Cash Only Band. The American Legion Auxilliary and the South Tahoe Chamber of Commerce will supply food and refreshments.
For questions regarding donations for the celebration, please contact Shelby Martin at (530) 318-9857
 
Spc. Garrett Fant was one of a kind. A true American Hero. He enjoyed the company of friends and family, and always inspired and encouraged everyone around him to live like there is no tomorrow, said Martin.
In lieu of flowers, Spc. Garrett Fant wished all donations go to The Fisher House Foundation, www.fisherhouse.org