Mokena Preparing To Honor Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

(CBS) -- The village of Mokena is preparing to honor its native son, 19-year-old Army Private Aaron Toppen, who was one of five soldiers killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan last week.

Look around Mokena, population 20,000, and you see lots of yellow ribbons, all in memory of Aaron Toppen.

"They're on every tree and post going down Wolf Road," said Mokena Mayor Frank Fleischer.

Mayor Fleischer says he has heard from so many people who want to help Toppen's family and honor Toppen's memory.

"I can't tell you how many phone calls that the village and I have received (from) people that wanted to do something so they could show their thanks to the family and pay their respects some way."

Hundreds of T-shirts have reportedly been sold with proceeds going to the family.

Now Mayor Fleischer says the village is waiting to hear when Private Toppen's body will be brought back home and Fleischer says he's expecting a lot of people to line the route.

In:
• Mokena