Idaho Guardsman Laid to Rest

EAGLE, Idaho (KTVB) -- Wednesday was a day to remember and honor a soldier, husband, and father who died while training with our military.

Chief Warrant Officer Stien Gearhart was laid to rest. Last week, Gearhart and fellow Idaho National Guard pilot, Chief Warrant Officer Jon Hartway, died in a helicopter crash south of Boise. American flags and Patriot Guard riders lined the sidewalk outside Eagle Christian Church Wednesday afternoon, as friends, family, and fellow soldiers gathered to remember the life of Gearhart. Inside the church, soldiers he served with shared stories and remembered Gearhart as a man of great character, integrity, and resolve. Those qualities inspired his sons to become soldiers as well.

Second Lieutenant Sagen Gearhart said his father, more than anything, just wanted to spend time with his family. He said whenever they parted, Gearhart always reminded them that he loved them. Also attending the ceremony were the governor, lt. governor and Major General Gary Sayler, the commander of the Idaho National Guard. After the funeral, Gearhart was buried at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery with full military honors; the playing of TAPS, a three-volley salute and flyover by Apache helicopters. The helicopters are actually from the Utah National Guard, since all Idaho National Guard Apaches are currently grounded.