ST. LOUIS – St. Louis welcomed back a fallen local soldier as the body of Airman First Class Tatyana Salceda arrived at St. Louis Lambert International Airport to a hero's welcome.

Salceda was killed earlier this month in a crash at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. She was 28.

She served with the 673rd Logistics Readiness Squadron.

“Tatyana was a sweetheart. She was very pure, very honest, and loving,” Celena Shivers, Tatyana’s aunt, said. “She told her mom one day…'I figured out what I wanted to do.' … She said, 'I want to serve our country. I want to be an airman.’”

Her body arrived Tuesday afternoon and was met by the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard, Patriot Guard Riders, and her grieving family.

Tatyana’s family says she was full of life, and her laughter is what they'll remember most.

“She was so young, so full of life. My sister just visited her in Alaska. She was laughing. I'll never forget her laugh, her chuckle. We were totally in shock,” Shivers said.

Her casket was placed in a hearse from William C. Harris Funeral Home and escorted to the Spanish Lake chapel – with full military honors.

“Today is a somber day for a fallen airman. She gave her life serving our country, and she deserves the honors given to her that she deserved,” Neil Hill, Patriot Guard Riders, said. “Our veterans don't get the notoriety they deserve. They're out there keeping us safe, and we need to give them respect and honor."

The U.S. Air Force also released a statement, calling her death a tragedy, and pledging to support her family, friends, and fellow airmen.

Funeral services for Airman Salceda will be held Saturday at William C. Harris Funeral Home in Spanish Lake Chapel. Visitation begins at 2 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m.