LAREDO, Texas — Joe Elizondo woke up and started to get ready for his trip to Laredo. His coat was pressed, his medals aligned. His shirt, tie, and shoes all ready for the two and a half hour drive from Corpus Christi.

Elizondo is a Vietnam Veteran and was shot in the head while serving. He was awarded three Purple Hearts and countless medals during his time in the service. 

"I met six different presidents," he said proudly.

The decorated war hero could just sit back on his laurels, but on this day, and many like it, he felt he had to salute a fallen hero. Lance Cpl. David Lee Espinoza lost his life during an attack at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 26. His body was returned to his family on September 10. 

“I really know how moms feel, and everybody feels. I really do," said Elizondo.

He knows because he also experienced it. He lost his brother during the same war that nearly took him. Espinoza’s dignified transfer isn’t Elizondo’s first, but he still makes sure to shake the hands of everyone in attendance.

"I’m just saying, thank you, because you never know.  A lot of these guys, they leave home with the chance, they might not come back home," said Elizondo.

The turnout for Espinoza was diverse. There were Veterans, bikers, men, women, service members and first responders. They were all from different backgrounds, but there’s no doubt everyone felt the same.

“We’re all brothers, you know, and it’s amazing how one feels about a wonderful marine," Elizondo said.

It’s a brotherhood forged from honor, duty and trust. It’s a brotherhood worthy of a two and half hour drive, a salute and the presentation of medals. It was a hero’s way of thanking another hero for his sacrifice.

“I’m glad he’s home. I’m glad he’s home. God bless him. God bless his family and everybody. God bless him," said Elizondo.