Richard Buerstetta remembered by classmates, teachers

An entire community is in mourning this evening after the death of a local Marine.

Richard Buerstetta, 20, was killed in Iraq Sunday.

The young Marine just graduated Franklin High School two years ago.

Students and teachers alike remember him as a great guy who always dreamed of serving in the military. They said his death has been a hard blow for everyone.

"It was in the back of my mind that you know... you're in war its potential something can happen," Buerstetta's friend Chris Simmons said.

Simmons admitted, he didn't think that something would ever happen. He said it seems like yesterday he and with one of is best friends, Buerstetta, were walking the halls together.

Buerstetta, a 2004 graduate was killed Sunday serving in Iraq.

The marine lost his life when an explosive device went off near his vehicle.

"He was there supporting us and he gave the ultimate sacrifice for us," Franklin High teacher Terry Lancaster said.

Students and teachers alike were crushed by the news. Lancaster, the auto shop teacher, taught Buerstetta all four years. He described him as a leader who was always a positive influence on others.

"I don't think I can ever remember a time that he wasn't just full of energy and full of life and we're going to miss him," he said.

English teacher Carol Cottingham remembers a kid who often talked about serving his country.

Principal Willlie Dickerson said after learning of Buerstetta's death students began creating a banner in remembrance, leaving touching messages to a friend lost too soon.

As for Simmons, he plans to follow in his buddy's foot steps. He's already signed up to join the Marines after graduation, and hopes he can be an inspiration just as Buerstetta was to him.

"Now that he is gone, when I do go I want to pick up where he left off," Simmons said.

From WTVF 5

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Richard A. Buerstetta killed in combat