SAN ELIZARIO, Texas -- As KFOX reported, 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Javier Perales Jr. died earlier this month on his first tour in Iraq, in what the Department of Defense said was a nonhostile incident in Al Anbar Province. He was the eldest of three siblings.

"He was a really good guy, really sweet, very responsible! He always looked after his family," said Iliana Prieto, Lance Cpl. Perales’ friend.

Monday morning family, friends, and a comfort organization stood in silence, as fellow Marines carried his flag-draped coffin. They all gathered at the San Elizario Mission to pay their respects and say their last goodbyes.

"We're here just to provide comfort to the families in their time of grief and to let them know that they're not alone,” said Kevin Richardson, a Patriot Guard Rider.

The Patriot Guard Riders, an organization made up of mostly motorcyclists, attend military funerals, especially for those who have fallen during their tour of duty in Iraq.

Those who knew Lance Cpl. Perales, or J.R as some knew him, say he always lit up the room.

"He was really funny, he was sarcastic at times. I used to enjoy being around him. He's going to be missed, it came as a surprise when I heard the news,” said Prieto.

Iliana said all she can do now is remember his great personality and a bracelet he gave her not too long ago.

“And just right now in Mass I prayed and I told him no tricks from up there J.R., no tricks from up there,” said Prieto. At this time the exact cause of his death remains under investigation.