Today, Baldwin County honors a fallen hero with a lasting landmark. The street where Staff Sergeant Alex French, IV spent his early years was renamed in his honor.

"He grew up here, he could've left, he'd been all around the world but he chose to come back here," says his father, Alex French, III. This dedication was brought to the county commission by his fellow soldiers, and residents of Baldwin County.

"What a great thing and a great honor, for a great family, and also a great American," says childhood friend, Quentin Howard. 

French served as a member of the 48th brigade during operation enduring freedom in Afghanistan. In 2009, he was killed by a roadside bomb. His sister, recalls the day she received the news of his death, "Like the earth stood still, just completely stopped turning. That was the most awful feeling that you could ever feel," says Laquitta French.

His family says this dedication is a constant reminder of the man who still brings smiles to their faces.

"He said he wanted to do something to change Milledgeville, so if he done anything, this is what he did," says sister, LaToya French.