FEDERALSBURG, Md.- A viewing for 19-year-old Army Pfc. Michael Edwards Yates Jr. took place at the Framptom Funeral Home in Federalsburg on Wednesday night. The U.S. military has charged 44-year-old Army Sgt. John M. Russell with five counts of murder for shooting and killing Yates and four other servicemen last week at a stress clinic in Iraq.

Hundreds of friends, family and other members of the armed forces lined up in front of the funeral home to honor Yates.

"He wanted to go into the military and everybody was so supportive because he always wanted to do something good. He loved the military," said friend Kacie Dodd.

Some veterans who barely knew Yates attended the viewing to show their support.

"I'm so sorry all of this happened and the way that it happened is such a tragic thing," said Joseph Hubbert.

Many say that Yates gave the ultimate sacrifice.

"Every loss of life is a tragic loss regardless of the cause. We send troops to Iraq and Afghanistan who are willing to serve our country, " said Maryland Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown. "When one is unable to return home to their loved ones then that's hard."

Friends say Yates was a great guy who was loved by many.

"I know that he would want everybody to be happy and get through this. I know he doesn't want people to feel bad, I know he wants everybody to be strong for him," Dodd said.

Yates was his family's hero and they say they all miss him.

"All I can say was that Mikey was a great boy, a wonderful man, but he's going to be an awesome angel," said his aunt, Sharon Griffin.

Funeral services were held Thursday at Frampton Funeral home in Federalsburg. Interment followed at the Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery in Beulah.