VINTON — Louisiana State Police joined law enforcement agencies and military personnel to escort a World War II soldier home to Vinton more than eight decades after his death.

LSP said the escort honored Technician, Fifth Grade Gurnie Joseph "Tutie" Richard, whose remains were positively identified and returned to the community he once called home on Thursday.

Richard died Nov. 26, 1942, while serving in the Philippines during World War II.

Louisiana State Police said it was a privilege to help accompany Richard on the final leg of his journey home.