Wynne, AR - Arkansas is once again linked to tragedy in Wednesday’s helicopter crash in Iraq.

The family of 21 year-old Lance Corporal Brian Hopper of Wynne learned he was one of 31 marines killed in the accident.     

Channel Seven’s Pamela Smith visited with the family in Wynne.     

As you can imagine, it is an emotional day for the family of Brian Hopper, a young man who was just a week away from coming home has paid the ultimate sacrifice for his freedom.     

Now a father proud of his son’s commitment to his country must come to terms with his loss.

Twenty-one-year-old Hopper, one of Rob Hopper’s two sons stationed in Iraq, was among the three dozed killed in western Baghdad this week.     

Rob Hopper refers two his son’s close brushes with death with one as recent as December 23rd when he was injured by an enemy grenade.     

Brian’s older brother Patrick joined the marines after he did. He must also grieve for the younger brother in spite of his military career. The  22- year- old has a wife and child and his father hopes he won’t go back.     

Funeral arrangements are still pending.