"It's tough," he said.

"Unreal," said Pam McCoy, the brothers' mother, while wiping tears from her eyes.

The McCoys lost loved one was Sgt. Steve McCoy, a soldier with the 3rd Infantry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team.

"He died on June 10, 2008," a solemn Eric said. "Him and his crew got hit while riding in his Bradley (tank) on Easter Sunday. He was 23 years old."

On Saturday, the McCoys of Colquitt County, along with several other family members of fallen soldiers, were seated in the stands at Fort Stewart's Cottrell field. They were there to lay a wreath for their fallen heroes during the second Wreaths for Warriors Walk ceremony.

It was important for the McCoys to honor Steve's memory and be surrounded by those who share a special bond.

People such as Brenda and Mike Habsieger, of Festis, Mo. They lost their son, Pfc. Andrew Habsieger, in the same Bradley accident that took the life of Steve McCoy.

"It's comforting to know you're with people who understand how you feel," Brenda said as tears flowed from her eyes. "It's a marvelous thing the military does to provide a venue for all of us to get together and remember those who we have lost."

Sgt. Steve McCoy and his comrade were scheduled to return home with their unit this month.