"Selfless...amazing person:" Hundreds gather to say goodbye to Airman Quinn Johnson-Harris

MILWAUKEE -- Saying goodbye to an American hero killed while serving in Afghanistan. Hundreds lined the streets of Milwaukee on Saturday, October 24th and dignitaries from near and far came to honor Airman Quinn Johnson-Harris.

Quinn Johnson-Harris

It was the kind of send-off you'd expect an American hero to receive, and by all accounts, that's exactly what Quinn Johnson-Harris was.

The 2012 Homestead High School graduate was a senior airman in the U.S. Air Force, and was on his first deployment in Afghanistan, when he was killed in an airplane crash on October 2nd.

Hundreds of flags lined the streets and a lengthy motorcade accompanied his casket to Christian Faith Fellowship Church on Saturday.

"He died serving his country and I respect that and anybody who's flown or anybody who's served in our military respects that," said Obsee Sampson, retired Air Force.

Those who loved him and those who never knew him turned out to thank the 21-year-old for the way he lived his life and to say their final goodbyes.

"We had so much support today at Quinn's funeral. We are truly blessed," said Fatia Johnson, Quinn's sister.



Johnson-Harris' family and friends were joined by other service members and a long line of state and local officials, including the governor and both of the state's U.S. senators.

"There's no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends, for another. And while he's filled with a family that loves America, there's no greater way to show that love than to do what Quinn did," said Governor Scott Walker.

While there were tears and tremendous sadness for those who knew him best, this was most definitely a celebration of the man that he was -- and the fact that he lived.

"The main thing I want people to know about Quinn is that he was an awesome individual, cared about everyone, selfless and an amazing person," said Johnson.

Quinn Johnson-Harris funeral

Quinn Johnson-Harris will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery next month.