Members of the Tushla escort talk about returning him to Atkinson

ATKINSON, Neb. -- It was a ride many won't forget.

The remains of United States Navy 1st Class Fireman Louis James Tushla arrived in Atkinson after 79 years of being unidentified.

Escorting Tushla from Offutt Air Force Base were members of Legion Riders from American Legion Post 86 out of Atkinson, Tushla's hometown. As the convoy made stops in Fremont, Columbus, Norfolk, and areas in between, the escort got larger and larger.

The Ride Captain of the American Legion Riders of Post 86 Andrew Langan, who coordinated the route was surprised with how smooth the escort went.  Thanking law enforcement and the people of Nebraska, he says the support and help they received was incredible. 

"Big thanks to the state patrol, local P.Ds for helping us get out of cities," Langan said. "It's an unbelievable feeling...I don't even know how to describe it. Thank you to every member of Nebraska who came out. It speaks volumes about the people of Nebraska, that's why we live here." 

Louis Tushla will be buried this Saturday, July 17, and St. Joseph's Cemetery in Atkinson.

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