Hartford Laid To Rest

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By WBNG News

An Elmira soldier was govem full military honors at his funeral today.

21-year-old Army Private Justin Hartford was buried in Elmira.

While family and friends remember him, they still have many questions about his death.

Action News reporter Gabe Osterhout has the story.

21-year-old Army Private Justin Hartford was laid to rest today at the Woodlawn National Cemetary in Elmira.

Dozens of friends, family members and fellow soldiers came to pay their last respects.

Hartford died at Joint Base Balad in Iraq from injuries he got during a non-combat related incident.

Family members are still searching for answers.

"They're going through a lot of emotions. Anger, frustration, mainly I think. Justin's been gone since May 8th. They have no idea at this point what actually happened to him over there," says family friend Donna Docey.

A U.S. Army spokesman says they are investigating Hartford's death.

He says the Army isn't trying to hide information from the family.

They just want to know what happened before saying anything.

"This doesn't bring closure to the entire death for the family. That's the most difficult part is not being able to really bring closure," says Brigadere General Lynn Collyar.

Family and friends say they will remember Hartford for his sense of humor.

They say he was always pulling pranks on people.

"His devilishness I guess. His prankster, his joy for life. He was really, ya know, as the minister said, he enjoyed life and he did and he lived it his way," says Docey.

Some who didn't know him also came to pay their respects to a man that paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

"I have real high respect for soldiers and veterans and we appreciate everything they've done for us and I just wanted to come and pay my respects," says Carol Austin of Elmira.

An Army spokesman says it may take between 30- and 45 days to determine what happened to Hartford.

A family spokesperson says Congressman Eric Massa is helping the family get more information on what happened in Iraq.

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