Fallen Hero Escort for Army SSgt. Matthew S. Sitton of Largo

TAMPA - The body of fallen solider Army SSgt. Matthew Sitton, 26, of Largo, will return home today. Sitton died August 2 while serving in Afghanistan.

The Angel Flight for SSgt. Sitton will arrive at MacDill AFB this morning, and will be escorted to Largo, in preparation for a funeral on Saturday. Members of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Tampa Police Office, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, St. Petersburg Police Department and Largo Police Department will assist in the escort.

The community is invited to line the escort route to pay its respects to SSgt. Sitton and his family, which includes his wife, Sarah, and son, Brodey. The escort is expected to depart MacDill at approximately 10:50 AM. Groups are expected to gather near The Colonnade Restaurant, 3401 Bayshore Blvd., where a large flag will be hung. Additionally, members of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office are expected to line Ulmerton Road at the 49th Street intersection as a way to extend their condolences for agency members, Cheryl and Steve Sitton, Matthew's parents. 

Here is the escort route:

• Leave MacDill AFB Bayshore Gate
• North on Bayshore Boulevard
• East on Platt St. Bridge
• North on Florida Ave. (Left)
• East on Jackson St. (Right)
• North on N. Jefferson St. (Left)
• East on Twiggs St. (Right)
• North on Channelside Drive (Left)
• East on SR 60
• North on 22nd Street (Left)
• West on I-4 (Left)
• South on I-275
• West on Ulmerton Rd. (approximately 11:30 AM))
• North on Indian Rocks Rd. N. (Right)
• Hubble Funeral Home on Right ~ 499 N. Indian Rocks Rd.

The funeral service for SSgt Sitton will be held Saturday, August 11, 2012, at the First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks located at 12685 Ulmerton Road, Largo. The service will begin at 1 PM.