PORT HENRY, N.Y. -
A soldier from Port Henry, New York made the ultimate sacrifice Saturday.
29 year old Dain Venne was killed in the line of duty while serving in Afghanistan.
Dain Venne is the first soldier to die from Moriah town since Vietnam, and after spending the day talking to people who knew him, it's clear this man had a huge heart and will truly be missed.
"Just an all around good person," long-time family friend, Tom Scozzafava said.
The marquee at the school had been changed to say "A friend, a Soldier, a Hero. Forever in our hearts." On and off the field, Staff Sergeant Dain Venne, a 2001 graduate of Moriah Central School was a leader. The 29 year old broke records and took home trophies as an all star student.
"He was a heck of an athlete, great football player," Scozzafava said.
But while serving his country in Afghanistan, a roadside bomb exploded... killing three New Yorkers, Dain Venne was one of them. Perhaps the hardest part, he was scheduled to come home this weekend.
"Everybody will truly miss him, he was a great kid," Football Coach Don Tesar said.
After high school Venne went to St. Lawrence University, but immediately after 9-11, enlisted in the army, confirming his selfless attitude.
"That's patriotism to the max," Scozzafava said.
Venne's former Coaches say he was voted most athletic, crowned Prom King and had a smile that lit up the room.
"In that 29 years, this young many just touched so many lives," Scozzafava said.
It's not only just the town that's mourning the great loss, but the entire state of New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that flags be flown at half staff.
"He was a hero and always will be," Superintendent William Larrow said.
Plans are in the works to bring Dain Venne home, and have a service in his hometown. Venne's dad is the Town Justice and mom is a teacher at Moriah Central.
