A mile-long procession paid tribute to a fallen hero Sunday, escorting the body of 20-year-old Army Spc. Tony “T.J.” Gonzales home to Newman.

Gonzales, the son of Tony and Marlynn Gonzales of Newman, was killed Dec. 28 in Iraq.

The airplane carrying his body landed shortly before noon Sunday at Modesto Airport, where about 150 police officers, military personnel, veterans, friends and community members were present to pay their respects and to show their support for his family.

Family members gathered around the flag-draped casket on the airport tarmac for several minutes before the military honor guard placed the casket in a waiting hearse.

Officials estimate well over 100 vehicles took part in the procession to Newman. Officers from Newman, Ceres, Modesto and Los Gatos police departments, the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department and California Highway Patrol provided the police escort.

The senior Tony Gonzales is a retired Los Gatos police officer. His son had planned to follow his footsteps into law enforcement.

At Service and Crows Landing roads, the U.S. flag flew from a Ceres Fire Department ladder truck as the procession passed beneath.

At Hillview Funeral Chapel, those gathered to pay tribute saluted as the honor guard moved the casket inside.

Services for Tony “T.J.” Gonzales will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. in San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.

A procession will leave Hillview Funeral Chapel for the cemetery at noon.

If you would like to leave your condolences or messages of remembrance, please visit TJ's new remembrances page.

You may also view TJ's photo gallery.