Soldier with Bristow ties killed in Afghanistan remembered

BRISTOW, Okla - It was an emotional event for many at the Freeland Center in Bristow. Debora Hudacek says she's trying her best to keep a positive attitude after loosing her son.

"Mixed feelings, loss to a son but a proud mom of a soldier."

Specialist Ryan Grady was killed in July when the vehicle he was riding in was struck by a bomb. He was 25 years old.

Heaven Grady says loosing her husband is the toughest thing she's ever been through. Also hard, telling their 6 year old daughter what happened.

"First it was, mommy I don't understand why my daddy had to die, which the only way I could answer was to tell her it was so he could keep the promise he made to her, that he'll never leave her again because now he's always there with her and he's always there in her heart."

The family says Grady was a wonderful husband and father, and type of person who was always there for people.

He joined the Army to follow in the footsteps of his father and received a Purple Heart for his service in Iraq.

Most recently he was living in West Burke, Vermont where he was a combat engineer. For his courage and service to the military, the Mayor of Bristow proclaimed July 31st to be Specialist Ryan Grady Day.

"It's a way for people to remember him, especially the younger group like my brother. They'll have a way to remember Ryan coming up instead of just a name," says best friend Brandon Logan.

After his death, Grady was promoted to rank of a specialist. Grady's body has been laid to rest in Vermont where a memorial service for him was held there earlier this month.