AL ASAD, Iraq -- As a blustery desert wind swept across the air base here Oct. 20, the Marines of Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, gathered for a memorial service to honor and pay their respects to fallen warrior Lance Cpl. Chris M. Poston.During an emotional ceremony, which included a scripture reading, eulogy and remembrances from the Marines he served alongside, Poston’s spirit was celebrated in front of a massive formation of his fellow leathernecks.Known throughout the battalion as “a hard worker and an outstanding Marine who would be the first to volunteer for any responsibility,” the Phoenix native left behind a reputation that was as radiant as his trademark smile.“Having a Marine like Lance Cpl. Poston makes a (commanding officer’s) job easier because he lead by example and was a stellar example of a Marine,” said BLT 2/1 commander Lt. Col. Robert G. Oltman. “His positive attitude was infectious and we will definitely miss him.”“Lance Cpl. Poston always wanted responsibility and would constantly come to me seeking more,” said Master Sgt. William N. Michalak, communications chief, Headquarters and Service Company, BLT 2/1. “He was a mentor to the younger Marines in the unit and was very popular because he was always smiling and motivated, even when times were hard.” According to the Marines who knew him best, the 20-year-old Poston possessed a vibrant personality, as well as talents outside of the military.“The thing I’ll remember most about (Poston) is that as a person he was always happy,” said Staff Sgt. James H. Kirk, assistant radio chief, H&S Co.“He was always the life of the party and the center of attention wherever we went,” remarked Lance Cpl. Chris Proffitt, field wireman, H&S Co.“We would go to the mall together, work out together and we also made music in our spare time,” said Lance Cpl. Chardon A. McPherson, a field wireman with H&S Co., as well as Poston’s best friend in the unit. “He was a good singer, but I still used to tease him about his singing and tell him he (was bad at it),” he grinned.Despite the tragic vehicle accident that claimed the former Arizona State student’s life, the memory of the way Poston lived his life will continue to endure in the hearts and minds of his fellow Marines.“I’m going to tell every junior Marine I work with about him and try to get them to follow his example,” said McPherson. "I’m going to make sure that Poston’s example will never be forgotten.”“Poston was the type of Marine who never did anything half-heartedly,” said Oltman. “He always gave his best effort no matter what the job was and based on the way he carried himself, others who watched him when he was here will definitely be able to step up and get the job we have ahead of us done.”