REMEMBERING—Above, Christopher Wolverton listens to stories about his son during the dedication of a memorial honoring Brian Wolverton. The Oak Park High School graduate was killed in Afghanistan last year. Top right, Miriam Wolverton, the soldier’s mother, is comforted by friends. Right, Oak Park resident Jamie King admires the newly dedicated memorial on the Oak Park High School campus. WENDY PIERRO Acorn Newspapers Army Pfc. Brian Wolverton lost his life last year while serving in Afghanistan. The sacrifice he paid in service to his country has been honored with a memorial at his alma mater, Oak Park High School.

Friends, families, teachers and comrades in the armed forces gathered at the high school on Aug. 31 to unveil the memorial in the fallen soldier’s honor. Wolverton, 21, was killed in action in Afghanistan on Aug. 20, 2009.

The 2006 Oak Park graduate died from wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit in the Kunar province.

Memories of Wolverton as a child, a student, athlete and friend were shared at the event.

Oak Park Unified School District Superintendent Tony Knight said he’d had the privilege of welcoming Wolverton to school as a kindergartner at Oak Hills Elementary School. Knight was the school principal at the time.

“I just want to say what a wonderful and loving family Brian was a part of and that I will not walk onto this campus and pass this monument without thinking about how special Brian was to all of us,” Knight said. “I pray that Brian’s sacrifice will be the last for one of our students and that we will never add another name to this monument or ever again summon a ceremony here,” Knight said.

Oak Park High School teacher and track coach Kevin Smith gave an emotional talk about the deep sense of loss felt by the entire community when the news of Wolverton’s death was announced last year. Smith said Wolverton had a “whimsical smile” and was dedicated to his country. The recent news of another fallen soldier, Andrew Jordan Castro, a Westlake High School graduate, made Wolverton’s memorial more poignant, he said.

“Smile at Brian’s memory and whisper thank you,” Smith said.

Army Specialist Paul Lancaster said he trained with Wolverton. “Brian was always there for you,” he said. “He cared more for his family and friends than himself. Being a soldier wasn’t just a job (for Brian); it was a way of life. I lost a friend.”

Christopher and Miriam Wolverton, Brian’s parents, unveiled the granite monument. Christopher Wolverton said he was grateful that so many people came forward with stories to share about his son.

He heard about how Brian loved to play handball and dodgeball in elementary school and how his son made a newcomer to Medea Creek Middle School feel welcome. He learned that Brian and his best friend, Kevin, used to walk the campus of Moorpark College every day arguing about various issues.

Oak Park High School Principal Kevin Buchanan gave an overview of Brian Wolverton’s dedication to school and his country. After graduating from high school, Wolverton attended Moorpark College and earned an Associate of Arts in anthropology. Buchanan said that he had planned to continue studies in anthropology after he completed military service.

Moorpark College anthropology professor John Baker attended the service. Baker instituted the Wolverton Anthropology Scholarship to honor the soldier.

Miriam Wolverton was moved by the ceremony and the monument that bears her son’s name and story.

“It’s really nice,” she said. “I hadn’t expected (the monument) to be so big and gorgeous.”

To contribute to the Wolverton Anthropology Scholarship, send a check payable to The Moorpark College Foundation, 7075 Campus Road, Moorpark, CA 93021