The memories of Lance Corporal Patrick Schimmel came tumbling out as friends came to pay their last respects Saturday and console the young man's family. The 21 year old Marine from Winfield was killed in combat in Afghanistan on Sunday. Family, friends and veterans attended the visitation at Baue Funeral and Memorial Center in St. Charles Saturday. A celebration of Schimmel's life will take place Sunday followed by burial with full military honors at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
"He was always very energetic. Very patriotic."
"He joined the Marine Corps because he loved it."
"I think one of the most important things to remember is he joined the Marine Corps because he loved it," said Dan Anderson a high school classmate. "He did what he loved and he died doing it. I think there is nothing better you can say than that," added Anderson.
Boy Scouts and cross country filled his free time in high school. But he was already talking about joining the Marine Corps. Fellow Scout Ryan Wilding remembers Schimmel as very patriotic. Wilding said his friend liked the thought of serving his country and making sure folks back home were safe.
The mother of another fallen soldier arrived to offer her sympathy and help. Veterans of World War II and the Vietnam War came to console the Marine's parents.
"Some gave some, some gave all. This boy gave all," said Marine vet Glen Rappold. "I don't want America to never forget these boys. They put their lives on the line."
"He was always very energetic. Very patriotic."
"He joined the Marine Corps because he loved it."
"I think one of the most important things to remember is he joined the Marine Corps because he loved it," said Dan Anderson a high school classmate. "He did what he loved and he died doing it. I think there is nothing better you can say than that," added Anderson.
Boy Scouts and cross country filled his free time in high school. But he was already talking about joining the Marine Corps. Fellow Scout Ryan Wilding remembers Schimmel as very patriotic. Wilding said his friend liked the thought of serving his country and making sure folks back home were safe.
The mother of another fallen soldier arrived to offer her sympathy and help. Veterans of World War II and the Vietnam War came to console the Marine's parents.
"Some gave some, some gave all. This boy gave all," said Marine vet Glen Rappold. "I don't want America to never forget these boys. They put their lives on the line."
