Remembering a soldier killed in Iraq

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - West Michigan is morning the loss of another soldier in the war in Iraq.

2004 Lakeside High School graduate Bryan Thomas was killed last week by a roadside bombing in Baghdad. Flags in Battle Creek flew at half-staff on Monday.

Newschannel 3 was in Battle Creek to talk to those who knew Thomas best.

At Lakeview High School, Thomas was a standout football player, but his interests stretched well beyond just football.

"He showed up every day with a great attitude," said Mark Gibbs, Lakeview High School's football coach, "he liked being part of the team."

Coach Gibbs said that Thomas wasn't a flashy player, or even the best, but that didn't matter because at the end of the day, Thomas was the type of person he wanted on the team because of his commitment, no matter what.

"I respect people like that as much as the kids that were in the the limelight that are scoring touchdowns, because it means something to be a part of something. For Bryan, he loved being part of the football program." Gibbs said.

Laura Stewart, a family friend of Thomas' said that "he was quiet, and reserved. He loved to do things with conviction."

Thomas loved so much more that sports, he also loved animals, and photography, and was committed to all of it.

"It doesn't matter to me, what type of player they were, how good they were, it's what type of citizen they turn out to be. Here's a young man that chose to serve his country; that says a lot about Bryan right there." Coach Gibbs said.