WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Richland school reserves jersey number in memory of fallen soldier

Richland school reserves jersey number in memory of fallen soldier

RICHLAND COUNTY, SC (WIS) - A Midlands family who felt its heart break eight months ago has a feeling of immense pride.

Private Anthony White died in Iraq. His hometown high school honored the sacrifice of the brave South Carolina soldier.

Harry White tells WIS News 10, "My wife and I, we are so excited for Richland Northeast High School to do this for us and do this on the part of Anthony. It shows what type of man he was."

The young man is now sorely missed by his family, and his basketball coach, Jason Powell. Powell says, "We felt since he was a member of our team and he served our country in Iraq, that it would be a good thing for us to honor him tonight."

White died in Iraq eight months ago. He was a mechanic with the 82nd Airborne Division and was following in his father's footsteps.

Powell says, "I really thought Anthony could play college basketball, but he wanted to go and serve in the military and be like his father."

Basketball was Anthony's passion. Now his family has a lasting piece of it. After this year, no Richland Northeast player will ever wear number 24 again.

"To have his jersey in the house, it just feels like having a part of him there in the house," says White. "If I could trade places with him today I would give it up - period, no questions asked. I would go take his place today. That's the type of child he was."

Reported by Brandi Cummings

Posted by Chantelle Janelle