VASSAR -- The Vassar community is celebrating the life of the 1999 Vassar High graduate.

Sergeant Jake Schlereth was deployed three times and was stationed at fort Benning Georgia.

Schlereth lived in Opelika Alabama with his wife Margaret and son Caleb.

The patriot guard was in attendance today as friends and family braved this morning’s weather to pay their respect. He was working as an instructor at the Army reconnaissance course in Fort Benning when he suddenly stopped.

The family asks that in lieu of gifts and flowers, those wishing to remember Jake consider donating to his son Caleb's college fund.