26-mile procession honors fallen Beaver Co. airman Thursday

CHIPPEWA, Pa — Family and friends will say goodbye to Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan Elchin on Thursday.

The Beaver County native was one of four U.S. service members killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan last week.

He was serving with the 26th Special Tactics Squadron.

The 25-year-old combat controller was the recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

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Elchin graduated from Hopewell High School. His family now lives in Chippewa.

Hundreds of people are expected to gather at a church in Chippewa, with Pennsylvania State Police, local police, area fire departments and American Legion members escorting the family to his memorial service.

The route will be 26 miles and will go through two counties, Beaver and Allegheny. It will also pass through dozens of municipalities as officials take Interstate 376 to a church in Moon Township.

His memorial service Thursday is private with only family and close friends attending.

Cox Media Group