MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ind. -- An Army medic who grew up in Indiana was killed while serving in Afghanistan Sunday.

Pfc. Brian Bowman, 24, a native of Waveland, was killed along with three other soldiers by an improvised explosive device, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported.

Bowman, who was stationed in Ft. Carson, Colo., was married to Casie Carter, of Crawfordsville.

The family flew to Dover Air Force Base Monday evening to receive his remains.

His mother, who now lives in Texas, told 6News that Bowman was funny, compassionate and loyal -- a wonderful boy who grew up to be a great man.

Bowman graduated from Southmont High School, where he was a member of the marching band, in 2004.

"Brian always knew how to get the job done, and he prided himself on doing things well," said Band Director Brian Bartlett.

The Southmont staff was saddened when they learned of Bowman's death.

"When we told our staff members, they were very shook up," said Assistant Principal Mike Tricker. "It kind of brings the war home."

Typically, about five students from each graduating class join the military. Bowman is the first active duty death of someone who attended Southmont that staff members could remember.

"What he did matters. It's important. He was out there actively protecting what makes this nation great," Bartlett said. "He gave his life for that."

Funeral services will be held at Woodland Heights Christian Church in Crawfordsville. The date and time have not yet been set.