On March 31, Pentico's MC-130H combat Talon II aircraft crashed in mountains southeast of the Albanian capital of Tirana, killing him and eight other servicemen - his words a haunting premonition of that day.

But Pentico's letter was written in tribute to his mother and stepfather, Susie and Kevin Hatch. And it was read aloud at Thursday's funeral service in appreciation for the townspeople who gave its author, according to Lt. Bruce Osborn, a "good life and fine upbringing."

"Serving my country is something I will never forget . . . I've traveled the world, eaten pizza in Italy, visited Graceland and saw Halley's comet," recited Osborn from Pentico's letter. "I owe it all to you. I will never be able to pay you for all you have done for me. To show my appreciation I will always try to be a good person."

As many as 200 people came from all corners of Wayne County - about a 12th of the population - to pay respects to their native son on Thursday, spilling into the overflow rooms of the LDS Chapel in Hanksville. County officials, law enforcement and Pentico's high school wrestling coach were among those to make the more than 60-mile drive from "up county."

"I've got kids who went to school the same time that Patrick did," said Ken Rees, an 81-year-old member of the American Legion from Loa who says "if memory serves," Pentico is the first Wayne County resident to die in the line of duty since the Vietnam War.

Pentico, known by his friends as "Tico," served his country for eight years as a member of the U.S. Air Force, and died just six months before he was scheduled to be released from his second tour of duty.

His plane went down while on a joint training mission with the Albanian military. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

The 32-year-old would have celebrated his fifth wedding anniversary with his wife, Melissa, on May 13, said his younger sister Cortney Pentico.

"Tico" grew up in Hanksville, graduating in 1991 from Wayne County High School where he was a champion wrestler.

Cortney Pentico said her brother loved water skiing in nearby Lake Powell and hiking the redrock desert that draws hundreds of tourists to this otherwise isolated region in southeastern Utah.

Like so many of those who grow up in Hanksville, an economically depressed town settled by Mormon ranchers that now subsists on tourism, Pentico had to leave home to make an honest living.

But according to his fellow servicemen, home was never far from his mind.

"He said he wouldn't have traded his childhood for anything, not even for all the lightning in Hanksville. And he told me there's a lot of that out here," deadpanned Osborn, drawing a roomful of laughter.

Osborn thanked the townspeople for the honor of serving with Pentico and credited them with his decorated years of service. Among his commendations, Pentico and his crew were cited for valor in 2004 for safely landing a battle-damaged MC-130H plane, loaded with special operations forces, during a mission in the opening days of the Iraq war.

Relaying a story about the day Pentico inadvertently dropped a boat from an aircraft on a training mission with the Navy Seals, Osborn said, "He said to me in that way he has, 'Dude, I screwed up. I'm sorry. I let my crew down and I let you down,' '' said Osborn.

"I was floored. His concern was for everyone else, not himself."

Pentico's body was taken to be buried in Green River where his mother's family lives. A graveside service with full military honors was held at 4 p.m. at the Elgin Cemetery.