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Alex Cabrero ReportingJust a week after he was killed in Afghanistan, a Utah National Guardsman was laid to rest today.
Lt. Scott Lundell was only 35 years old when he died in action helping to train Afghan soldiers.
Speak to anyone who knew him and the first thing they do is smile at the memories, even though today was also full of tears.
Hank McIntire: "It's a difficult day. We're saying goodbye to one of our faithful soldiers."
Say what you want about America's involvement in the Middle East, right now none of that matters to friends and family of Lt. Lundell.
Maj. Hank McIntire, Utah National Guard: "This is about Lt. Scott Lundell and the sacrifice he gave for his country."
Lt. Scott Lundell was killed last week while training soldiers for the Afghan army, in an attack involving gunfire and rocket propelled grenades. He was a member of the Utah National Guard, assigned to Afghanistan, which sometimes seems to be the forgotten war.
Maj. Hank McIntire: "It's very important to remember we have soldiers in Afghanistan."
Lundell's friends certainly remember.
Marlin Raphael: "I wasn't surprised he wanted to get involved."
Marlin Raphael used to work with Lundell and says he was always a leader, no matter what the challenge. He knew the military wouldn't change that.
Marlin Raphael, Lundell's Friend: "I figured he would be the first one out there taking any risks that there was and making sure that it was safe for the rest of them."
Julie Sheen, a high school classmate of Lundell's, agrees.
Julie Sheen, Lundell's Friend: "But he was loving and strong and generous and very honorable. And his kids have a lot to be proud of right now."
So does all of Utah, which is what Governor Jon Huntsman said during his trip to the war zone this past week.
Gov. Huntsman: "I want to express our deepest sympathy and love to Lt. Lundell's family. And I want them to know all Utahns are thinking of them during this time of difficulty and are praying for their well-being."
So no matter what your thoughts are about the war, we can all agree Lundell died while serving his country and Utah with pride and honor.
Maj. Hank McIntire: "We want to continue honoring his memory and his legacy."
Lundell leaves behind a wife and four children. His funeral was held in West Valley; he was buried in Benjamin.
