Captain Bill Spurlock with the Tennessee National Guard says, "today is the day we recognize soliders who died in combat and I think it's very appropriate that this ceremony took place on Memorial Day."

Travis' will be remembered by friends and family as someone who loved rock music...Nascar and football.

He attended Ooltewah High School before earning his GED.

He later graduated from Chattanooga State with a degree in welding.

At today's ceremony his parent's recieved his purple heart and bronze star.

But more than medals, friend Derek Blevin remembers Travis as "Very giving...he put family and friends before himself."

And even beyond friends and family, Spurlock says, "There's a common bond between everyone that serves under the flag."

Because more than anyone, Captain Bill Spurlock says servicemen and women know freedom doesn't come free.

Spurlock adds, "I think we know it's a risk that everyone takes."

Blevins just says, "I'm going to miss and love him."