Lance Cpl. Drew Weaver was killed in action in Al Anbar province, Iraq, on Thursday, February 21, 2008. He was with Company C, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5. Lance Cpl. Drew Weaver was 20 years old when an insurgent’s bullet took his life. "On behalf of all of Drew’s family, we would like to thank all the Marine Corps, all of his classmates, friends, fellow veterans and the community for the support that has been given to our family during this great loss," USMC Sgt. Casey Fulton read. "We consider our son a hero and we are so proud of his dedication and sacrifice that he has given to our country. He will be greatly missed." According to Fulton, Weaver was patrolling the streets in the Al Anbar province with members of C Company 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion when Iraqi gunmen fired upon his unit. "Drew Weaver was fatally shot while engaging the enemy," Fulton said. "……… He gave the ultimate sacrifice." Fulton said he could not release the name of the city because of ongoing military operations. Patrolling the streets of Iraqi communities is part of the standard routine for Marines in Iraq. Fulton said the patrols ensure there is a visible presence and are instrumental in keeping the peace. "It’s something that has to be done," he said. "We are out there looking for caches of weapons or insurgent leaders and just keeping the place relatively safe. Unfortunately, this happens." A light snow began to fall as Weaver’s plane pulled in. His brother Navy Petty Officer Jeff Weaver and his best friend Marine Cpl. Ryan Hanson were on the plane escorting Weaver’s remains. The two were joined by a Marine Corps honor guard and pall bearers who carried the casket to the waiting hearse and by Weaver’s friends and family members who had come to claim Weaver’s remains. Hanson and Weaver joined the Marines together on the buddy program, Fulton said. "They came in together and did basic together before being shipped off to their duty stations," he said. "Cpl. Hanson was stationed in Okinawa and pulled from duty so he could escort his best friend home." Weaver, a graduate of St. Charles West High School, is remembered for his positive attitude and sense of humor and dedication to his country. Prior to joining the Marines, Drew W. Weaver worked at Jiffy Lube with April Meierotto. She said she felt grateful to have known him. “He was the best kid anyone could ever want,” Meierotto said. “He was always there for anybody, and he made the shop a lot of fun.” Weaver, 20, of St. Charles, Mo., was a 2005 high school graduate and was assigned to Twentynine Palms, Calif. “Drew is a true hero. He was very well liked by so many people throughout our community,” Mayor Patti York said. “He volunteered his time for our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice for his community. I’m very proud of him.” Ken Mayer, a school resource officer said Weaver decided to join the Marines while a student. “When he came back from basic training, I asked him if this was what he wanted to do. He said ‘absolutely.’ I’m proud of him. He’s a hero to me,” Mayer said. He is survived by his parents, Brian Weaver and Diane Spaulding. “He tried to find the best in whatever situation he was in,” said Scott Voelkl, an assistant principal. “He didn’t let things get to him.”