(Miller, MO) -- An explosion overseas has claimed the life of an Ozarks soldier.  The Army says Private First Class Matthew Wilson died while serving in Afghanistan.

Wilson is from Miller, Missouri and the news has shaken the small Lawrence County community.

Those who knew Private Wilson best say his loyalty was one of the things they remember most about the 19 year old.  Not only his dedication to the country, but the dozens of people who helped mold him.

The students and teachers at Miller High School were hit hard this week.  Their former student, classmate and friend, Private First Class Matthew Wilson was killed in the line of duty.

"I was shocked when I heard that he was dead," says Garrett Lester, who lived with Wilson.
    
"You always think it happens elsewhere. But it hurts when it happens to you," adds Lisa Lester, Garrett's mom.

Lisa was one of the people who welcomed the teen in her home.

She says, "I will miss his smile."

Private Wilson was a victim of the foster care system.  He bounced from home to home in Southwest Missouri before coming to Miller in early 2006.

Private Wilson's stay in this community was short lived, but counselors say his impact was great.

"We feel proud he called Miller his hometown," says Vicki Baker, Miller High School counselor.            

Friends say Private Wilson was a big into technology.

"We played games a lot." says Garrett.

And he fulfilled his life long dream of joining the military in 2008.

"He really loved his country." says Baker.

His patriotism will forever shine through when the district honors him in its veterans memorial.

The improvised explosive device that killed wilson also took the lives of two other soldiers.  All three served with the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, New York.

The military has since awarded Private Wilson with the National Defense Service Medal.  He is survived by his wife and child.