FORT HOOD, Texas - With pews filled with soldiers and civilians, quiet sobs came from family and friends of Spc. Jamie Schnider as they entered the chapel.
The 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, hosted a memorial to pay last respects to Schnider at the Ironhorse Chapel here, Nov. 5.
Schnider died Oct. 4.
He arrived here after completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Okla., and was a cannon crewmember with Battery B, 3-82 FA Regt. He deployed twice to Iraq, once in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once in support of Operation New Dawn.
Schnider, like many, left a void within his battalion, especially with his "one of a kind" personality, Capt. Cory Guenther, Btry. B. commander, said.
"Many of us have been touched in some way or another by Jamie's high octane, rambunctious and infectious personality, which made us better for knowing him," Guenther added.
In addition to his personality, Schnider possessed the unique quality of an "unwavering dedication and selflessness to his duty," Guenther stated.
Those qualities pored over into his service to his country, Guenther said. "As (the 3-82 FA Regt.) transitioned from combat in Iraq to field artillery gunnery in Kuwait, Schnider's 'can do' attitude made an impact on the entire battery."
"Schnider was a highly motivated soldier and always eager to learn," Staff Sgt. Christian Fields, Btry. B. section chief, said.
"With (Schnider) there was never a dull moment ... he had a great attitude and liked by just about everyone in the battery."
Spc. Zachary Ramsey, a Btry. B. cannon crew member, said Schnider was a friend, family oriented and a great brother-in-arms.
"Schnider was not only a great Soldier, but awesome friend and brother," Ramsey added. "He always spoke about how amazing his family is."
Lt. Col. Winston Brooks, 3-82 FA Regt. commander, said he was loved by his family and many others and as an example, represents the sons, brothers and fathers that continue to serve in or support our team and nation.
"(Schnider) would want each and every one of you to wake up, and be the best Soldier you can without excepting defeat in any task or mission given," Brooks explained.
Guenther finished his speech with these words, "Spc. Schnider, you will never be forgotten as a member of the Bravo Battery team. May God bless Schnider, his family and all fellow soldiers."
Schnider is survived by his father, stepmother, brother and three sisters.
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