IUKA, Miss. (WTVA) -- Monday was an emotional day for the friends and family of U.S. Army Sergeant Jason Vaughn.
A ceremony was held to rename the Iuka Post Office after him.
Sergeant Vaughn was just 29 years old when his life ended during a second tour of duty in Iraq. He was driving a Stryker vehicle when a bomb exploded.
"I'm so proud of my son. He was a good friend and a great family member, and I'm very honored that everybody has come out and supported this," RaNae Smith Vaughn said.
U.S. Representative Alan Nunnelee pushed the legislation through with the complete backing of Mississippi's congressional delegation.
"Well, it's important to remember freedom is not free, and Sergeant Jason Vaughn paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom. It's always important to remember that," Nunnelee said.
Family and friends say Vaughn always put others before himself. His father says that's exactly what happened the day he died.
"They were going on a mission, and he said, 'No one dies today but me.' How profound a statement and insightful he was. That kind of lets you know his personality," Walter G. Vaughn said.
Sergeant Vaughn would be awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and two Infantry Combat medals, among others.
"This is something that reflects his image, his life and his character. Wherever he went, the most important thing in life was his friends," Vaughn added.
"Honoring great men is something we do in our society, and Jason is one of the greatest ones. Sometimes people get honored just because of their title or who they are. This is because of a person's actions. That speaks a lot more than title does," friend Chad Marlar said.
