'One of the bright stars'

A smart, well-behaved student is every teacher's dream. Maybe that's why those who helped educate Capt. Paul Pena are pouring their hearts out after his tragic death last week in Afghanistan.

The Austin-American Statesman reports on Capt. Pena's life, which was shaped at the San Marcos Baptist Academy in Texas. Reporter Patrick George spoke to several of Pena's former teachers.

"He was just a diligent, well-behaved kid," [San Marcos Baptist Academy communications director Shelley] Henry said. "He was one of the bright stars of his class."

Max Smith, a math and physics teacher at the academy, said it came as a surprise to no one when Peña was selected to go to West Point.

"He was the ideal student, from a teacher's perspective," said Smith, a retired Army colonel. "He always came back here and let you know he was OK and that he appreciated all you'd done for him."

According to various media reports, Pena, 27, was killed alongside Tech Sgt. Adam Ginett, 29, not far from Kandahar Air Field in Afghanistan. The reports say an improvised explosive device detonated near the troops while they were on patrol. The terrorist-planted roadside bomb wounded several other servicemembers.

Pena was a brave leader who attended West Point and worked hard to rise through the military ranks. He will be buried on Friday in San Antonio. KVUE-TV has more on the soldier's sacrifice: