Cody R. Stanley

Saturday, October 31 2009 @ 09:19 AM EDT

KVUE News -- A United States Marine from Bastrop County died in Afghanistan Wednesday while supporting combat operations.

Lance Corporal Cody R. Stanley, 21, is from Rosanky and attended Smithville High School. On Friday, some of his former high school teachers talked about the kind of student he was and how they will never forget him.

"He’s the kid any mom would be proud to call her son," said Marganna Martin, math teacher. "These kids leave as boys and come back as men. The military had made him an awesome man."

Stanley joined the Marines right after graduating high school in 2006.

"He was a true country gentleman who loved the outdoors, who loved his friends, who loved his family, and he loved being part of this community and this school," said Tony Quitta, Stanley’s senior English teacher. "I think he'll be remembered for his honesty, his values, and his morality."

On October 28, Stanley was killed in action during a combat support mission in Afghanistan.

"I was devastated to hear the news," said Natalie Frerich. "I can’t imagine what his parents and his family are going through. My heart goes out to them."

This is the third time the small communities of Smithville and Rosanky have lost one of their own in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

"It’s about to the point where I want to lock the doors and not let the recruiters in because they have taken too much from us," said Martin.

Funeral arrangements for Stanley are still being worked out. But we are being told they will be in Smithville.

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