ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO ( KPLR ) -
A young Smithton, IL man who put country and family first was remembered as a hero Tuesday. 27 year old Army Specialist David Schaefer lost his life in Iraq on May 16.
Members of the volunteer Patriot Guard stood in the rain holding American flags as mourners filed into the Renner Funeral Home in Belleville. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn was among those who packed the chapel. He came to honor Schaefer and deliver his condolences to the young man's family.
"He was a soldier ever since I knew him," recalled his brother-in-law Jeremy Phillips. "He was compelled to stand up for his country; he was always wanting to help people," Phillips said.
Schaefer, who lived with his wife Shelly and their three children, had planned to make the Army his career. He first served in the Illinois National Guard before transferring to the regular Army. He was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade based in Schweinfurt, Germany.
An enemy IED (improvised explosive device) exploded near his unit. He died in Baghdad, Iraq. Speakers during the funeral service said Schaefer was known for inspiring others by his devotion to the military. His remains were brought home on Memorial Day.
"He was not only a hero to me but to everybody he came in contact with," said Phillips. Molly Reichel of Belleville stood in the rain as the funeral procession passed by. "When a young man gives his life for us to be able to enjoy the freedoms that we share, we should stand in the rain and respect that. It's a small price to pay for such a great gift that he gave to all of us." she said.
Desert Shield veteran Vincent Terry said he knows what it is like to experience such a loss. "I wanted to pay my respects," he said as he stood across the street.
Tuesday afternoon Specialist Schaefer was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in south St. Louis County.
Members of the volunteer Patriot Guard stood in the rain holding American flags as mourners filed into the Renner Funeral Home in Belleville. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn was among those who packed the chapel. He came to honor Schaefer and deliver his condolences to the young man's family.
"He was a soldier ever since I knew him," recalled his brother-in-law Jeremy Phillips. "He was compelled to stand up for his country; he was always wanting to help people," Phillips said.
Schaefer, who lived with his wife Shelly and their three children, had planned to make the Army his career. He first served in the Illinois National Guard before transferring to the regular Army. He was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade based in Schweinfurt, Germany.
An enemy IED (improvised explosive device) exploded near his unit. He died in Baghdad, Iraq. Speakers during the funeral service said Schaefer was known for inspiring others by his devotion to the military. His remains were brought home on Memorial Day.
"He was not only a hero to me but to everybody he came in contact with," said Phillips. Molly Reichel of Belleville stood in the rain as the funeral procession passed by. "When a young man gives his life for us to be able to enjoy the freedoms that we share, we should stand in the rain and respect that. It's a small price to pay for such a great gift that he gave to all of us." she said.
Desert Shield veteran Vincent Terry said he knows what it is like to experience such a loss. "I wanted to pay my respects," he said as he stood across the street.
Tuesday afternoon Specialist Schaefer was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in south St. Louis County.
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