LONG BEACH (CBS) — One of the 30 servicemen killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan was from Long Beach, according to names and hometowns released by the Pentagon Thursday.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Harvell, 26, died when insurgent forces attacked a Chinook helicopter transporting military personnel last Thursday.

"It's just a shock, it really is," said neighbor Rosemary Peterson, choking back tears. "It's hard to talk about even."

Peterson said she knew Harvell since he was a boy.

Harvell played football at Millikan High School, where flags were flown at half staff Thursday.

Harvell's former football coach Kirk Diego said Andrew would often sacrifice for his teammates and has now paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Residents in the neighborhood where Harvell grew up were flying their flags outside their homes in his honor.