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BARAGA -- Hundreds of mourners gathered at Baraga High School Monday for the funeral of Specialist Robert Voakes, Jr.  The 21-year-old L’Anse native died on June 4 while serving in Afghanistan.

Many in attendance consider Voakes a hero for giving his life while serving his country.  But those who knew Voakes personally made it clear he was just as remarkable for living his short life with a positive attitude and a wry sense of humor.

"In reference to my level of chest hair, [Robert] said, 'Coach, when are you going to take off your sweater vest?’” shared a former coach.

Everyone described Voakes as a natural athlete who took great pride in his Native American heritage.  A former teacher said Voakes had "all the qualities of a good soldier. "

While Voakes died for a cause he truly believed in, the friends and family left behind said he had many more talents to share with his community.

"It’s just really unbelievable,” said former classmate Beau Johnson.  “Someone who's 21 years old, you know he’s going to Afghanistan, but you don't expect this to happen.  It's just hard to take."

"I knew of his great works when he was young with the tribe,” said tribal council member Susan Lafernier.  “We're all mourning him.  As you can see, he will be greatly missed."

During the funeral, another tribal council member said the Ojibwa language doesn’t have a word for “goodbye.”   Instead he shared a phrase that means "See you on the trail again.”