The knock came Monday morning. <

Bosveld said Rachel lived with her mother, Mary Bosveld, while attending Oshkosh West High School through her sophomore year. "She played violin in the school symphony orchestra," Bosveld said. "Her junior and senior year she lived with us and attended Waupun High School." <

Friends and teachers at the high school recall her as a born leader. <

"Rachel was a special student," drama coach Gary Cross said. "She was a leader whom other students respected and followed, very committed to what she was involved in." <

Bosveld's friend Katy Wheeler said, "Rachel was a very determined, strong-willed person and she knew what she wanted. She wasn't afraid to go after her desires." <

Wheeler said the two attended a Green Day concert in Milwaukee just before graduation, and she tearfully recounted helping Bosveld pack before she left Waupun for Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. <

"I never thought it would be the last time I saw her," Wheeler said. <

Waupun High School vocal music director Mike Mangan described Bosveld as a respectful and talented student. <

"She was one of the nicest students I have had," Mangan said. "One of the reasons she joined the military was to be able to attend college. We talked many times about her decision to join, and she was very passionate about her future in the military." <

Bosveld followed in the steps of her father and brother, who both served in the Army. <

"My dad was drafted during Vietnam. I served," said brother Craig Bosveld of Antigo. "She just felt it was a tradition she wanted to uphold." <

Marvin Bosveld said he was proud of his daughter's service to the country and offered advice to those who have children serving in the military: <