Hundreds of family and friends gathered Wednesday to pay their final respects to 18-year-old Kansas National Guard Specialist Ronald Schmidt.

Schmidt died August 3 in Iraq, one day after the Humvee he was riding in overturned in an accident. He served as the gunner atop the vehicle. Schmidt would have celebrated his 19th birthday two days later.

Almost every seat in Newton's Grace Community Church was filled at Wednesday's funeral service. Hundreds of patriot guard members lined the entrance to the church and its parking lot.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Congressman Todd Tiahrt attended.

"He put his life on the line, and we're safer because of it," said Rep. Tiahrt. "All of us should be thankful for what Ronnie has given us."

Schmidt's family accepted several honors on his behalf today. He was posthumously awarded a Bronze Star, Iraqi Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Bar and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device.

"He was an amazing guy," said classmate Christina Sanchez. "He made everybody happy."

Friends remember Schmidt as the life of the party. He was smart, diligent, and competitive. Schmidt lettered in wrestling all four years at Newton High School. He was 17 years old and still a senior when he enlisted in January of 2007.

"He was a bright young man; energetic and enthusiastic," said Col. Joe Wheeler. "We consider him one of Kansas' finest young men."

During Wednesday's service, Chaplain John Potter recalled Schmidt as a motivator; a man who never let a challenge get the best of him. Schmidt loved working on his car, enjoyed trail riding with family in Colorado, and was known as the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.

In the end, Tiahrt says Schmidt followed his heart.

"He was a strong man with a lot of promise," Tiahrt said. "But I think we all know his heart. His heart was to serve his country."

A memorial is set up in Schmidt's name. Donations can be made to the:

Ronnie Schmidt Wrestling Memorial Fund
c/o Newton High School
900 W. 12th Street
Newton, KS 67114

Spc. Schmidt was laid to rest in the Greenwood County cemetery, where his father and grandfather are also buried. He is survived by his mother, two step-brothers, aunt and uncle.