School mourns war death of graduate

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - An Albuquerque high school was in mourning Thursday after one of its former students was killed fighting in Afghanistan.

Army Pvt. Zachary Lovejoy, 20, died after his vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb.

Lovejoy graduated from la Cueva in 2008 and was active the high school ROTC program and in sports as a member of the football and wrestling teams.

He was assigned with the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, N.C.

First Sgt Alberto Griego taught Lovejoy while he was in ROTC. Lovejoy always wanted to serve his county and was dedicated to the military, he said.

Griego also said Lovejoy got along with everyone and was always willing to help out.

"He would bend over backwards to help anybody out," Griego continued. "He would give you the shirt off his back if he could.

"He was a well-respected member of the football team and member of out physical fitness team and he would do anything for anybody."

La Cueva High held a moment of silence for Lovejoy on Thursday morning. Grief counselors also were on hand

Lovejoy was engaged to be married. Funeral services are pending.
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Pvt. Zachary Lovejoy's obituary at Tributes on KRQE.com