Over the weekend, friends and family of a Chesapeake soldier killed in Iraq gathered to pay their last respects.

At an emotional ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk Army Staff Sergeant Jonathan Dozier was remembered as a selfless hero.

“The Army was his calling,” said Dozier’s sister, Jennifer Rider. “God said his fight was done. Our freedom is built on brave men like Jon, ‘cause he gave all.”

His all was his life of only 30 years. Dozier was killed January 9th during combat operations in Sinsil, Iraq.

“He could have done so many other things with his life,” said Dozier’s father, Carl.

However, Dozier chose to continue in the family tradition of military service, telling his father he believed in things larger than himself; he believed in making sacrifices for the greater good.

“He went in a blaze of glory,” said Rider. “He is always a hero to me.”

“He was so full of love and tender hearted,” said Dozier’s mother, Martha Cabe.

Friends and loved ones packed the chapel at Naval Station Norfolk to honor the soldier and young father. Tears were flowing and hearts were grieving, but the room was proud that the soldier who bared all and suffered was their friend, their brother and their hero, believing his sacrifice will be fully rewarded in Heaven.

Dozier leaves behind a 13-month-old daughter. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery later this week.