Family, friends and members of the North Texas community gathered to honor Army Pfc. Isabella Gonzales Saturday. The 19-year-old from Carrollton was killed during an Iranian attack in Jordan. The funeral service brought together loved ones, veterans and strangers who came to pay their respects to a young soldier remembered for her faith, joy and unwavering sense of purpose. “Today we honor a hero — 19-year-old female solider that followed her patriotic heart and answered the call to serve,” Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick said. Military leaders also reflected on Gonzales’ impact on those who served alongside her. “She was absolutely the glue of her team. She lifted morale,” Brig. Gen. Glenn A. Henke, commanding general of the 10th Army Air Missile Defense Command, said. Outside the church, the sound of motorcycles filled the streets as an honor ride made its way through the community Gonzales called home. “I’m a United States veteran and to support another veteran means a great deal for me since she was in the Army,” Army veteran Mark Dehaan said. Many of those who participated had never met Gonzales but wanted to honor her sacrifice. “You have to do what your heart tells you to do,” honor ride participant Uisel Cruz said. “And that’s why we’re all taking time out of our day and show respect and honor to Isabella,” Cruz said. Family members remembered Gonzales as someone whose faith guided her life and whose time was intentionally spent serving others and those she loved. “A fierce protector, a devoted servant of the Lord, an unforgettable soul,” her uncle, Alfredo Muniz, said while sharing a message from Gonzales’ mother. According to her family, they were not surprised when Gonzales chose to enlist. She walked into an Army recruiting office at 17 and later graduated from Hebron High School wearing an Army stole. Her family said she had “a remarkable gift for not wasting time in her life” and “intentionally invested her days with people she loved, dogs she adored.” Muniz also shared one of the final text message exchanges between Gonzales and her mother after Gonzales volunteered for a dangerous mission in Jordan. “Do you want to get extended?” her mother asked. “I wouldn’t mind at all actually,” Isabella replied. “Oh well that’s good as long as you be safe out there — you run for us — run,” her mother responded. As loved ones said their final goodbye, Gonzales was remembered as a devoted daughter, sister and soldier whose convictions and faith left a lasting impression on those around her. “We find peace knowing that Isabella is with you in heaven — probably dancing — thank you for the gift of her life,” the family’s pastor said. A statement from President Trump was read at today’s service. He said, in part, “Isabella was a selfless leader, a brave patriot and a true American hero.” Private Gonzales will be laid to rest tomorrow at DFW National Cemetery. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less