Sculpture honors late soldier from Troy

PIQUA, Ohio (WDTN) - In July of this year Private First Class Jeff Rice died serving during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Friday he was honored during a flag ceremony for veterans at the Upper Valley Career Center where he majored in welding in 2007.

At the vocational school a special sculpture and plaque were revealed honoring Rice and his sacrifice.  A crowd of students joined in a moment of silence.

"We really wanted to make sure the students understood the significance of his sacrifice," said Nancy Luce, the center's superintendent.  "I think the ceremony was very well received and meant so much to all of us," Luce added.

Members of the late soldier's family attended as well.