Marine Lance Cpl. Drew W. Weaver

Died February 21, 2008 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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20, of St. Charles, Mo.; assigned to the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Twentynine Palms, Calif.; died Feb. 21 in Asad, Iraq, while conducting combat operations.

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Family, friends recall slain Marine

The Associated Press

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., died Feb. 21 during combat in Anbar province, Iraq. He 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.”