PORT MATILDA, Pa. -- A little over a week after he was killed in Iraq, Sergeant Timothy Van Orman was laid to rest Saturday near Port Matilda.

The Centre County native was a graduate of Bald Eagle High School and lived in New York, near Fort Drum.

Family members said Van Orman was dedicated to his family and his country.

"Even knowing the bitter ending, I know he would go back for another deployment," said Sgt. Chris McGee, Tim's uncle.

McGee added that military service became a bit of a family rivalry.

"His goal was to someday outrank me," he said. "He may not on his uniform, but he does in my heart."

As in several other military funerals, the Patriot Guard riders honored Van Orman's service.

Although it was too cold to ride motorcycles, members of the guard held a row of flags during graveside services.

"He would have loved that," McGee said. "He would have been so proud, that those men and women thought so much of his service and their country."

Timothy Van Orman leaves behind his wife and his 9-month-old daughter.

He was just 24 years old.