More than five years after his death, the first Hoosier to lose his life in Iraq was honored in his hometown today.

U.S. postal officials and a congressman were on hand to honor David Fribley by re-naming a local post office.

From now on, when Atwood residents drop off a letter, it will be at the ‘Lance Corporal David K. Fribley Post Office.’

Fribley's family says he joined the Marine corps after the events of 9/11/2001; to defend his country. They'll always be proud of his sacrifice.

Family, friends, and community members gathered Monday morning to salute one of their own, who lost his life in action, in heroic form.

“He took the IED so that a higher commander didn’t get hit, and he was a true war hero,” said Congressman Mark Souder.

Souder, the keynote speaker at the dedication, says sacrifices like Fribley's have made a difference.

“We are getting closer and its been at a price. But when we do draw down in Iraq, we will be a safer nation because of people like Lance Corporal David Fribley.

Just in church where the ceremony was held, in the small town of Atwood, there are about another half dozen people serving.

“We're really proud of this small community contributing so much to our country,” said Pat VanDeWater, a member of Otterbein United Methodist Church.

For Fribley’s family, it means a lot to see their son remembered this way.

“It's a celebration when you see something like this because they're not forgotten. You feel like they had a purpose,” said Gary Fribley, David’s father.

They say it's a way people will think of David, and all those who serve, every time they mail a letter or check their post box.

“It makes you think, I mean it doesn't let his name go by the wayside, you'll remember him everyday. If you see a plaque there when you walk in its going to stick in your mind, I think it's a good gesture,” said Jerry Hammill, an Atwood resident who was using the post office Monday morning. His step-son is also serving in Iraq.

A “good gesture” in return for the ultimate gesture, sacrificing your life for your country.

“Would he do it again, yea he'd do it again. It'll always hurt, but we know that we'll be with him. Someday we'll be with him,” Gary Fribley said.

David Fribley also had a football field in Warsaw dedicated to him. He was an all-conference football player and track star at Warsaw High School.

His family says it's also nice to have something in his honor just down the street from where he grew up.

The postmaster helped get the name changed. She contacted congressman Souder’s office with the idea, who in turn got the name change recognized by congress.

That happened last October, and now all they have left to do is put up the plaque.

While the Fribley family lost one of their sons five years ago, their younger son also served in the Air Force.

Steven Fribley served three tours in the war in Iraq, and just last week, returned home for good.

Steven was able to share in the dedication ceremony, and says the community's support has been overwhelming.

“It's amazing, its touching. I mean I still remember it was my second trip coming back home from Iraq, and we were walking through the airport. People stopped and stood in a line and clapped for us, and it brought a tear to my eye. And I thought, this is why we do it,” Steven Fribley said.

Steven says it's especially important this memorial isn't just for his brother, but for all soldiers.

Although Steven’s active duty is complete, he still has two years of inactive duty left.