SAN DIEGO -- Family and friends of a soldier from Chula Vista gathered Friday and paid tribute to the man during a memorial, 10News reported.

Matthew John Holley was killed Nov. 15 when his military vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Iraq.

The 21-year-old was born in Idaho, but grew up in Chula Vista. Holley enlisted into the Army following the footsteps of his parents.

He was remembered as an incredibly bright, talented and patriotic man. Holley was a three-time AAU national champion in karate and a medic with the 101st Airborne with a knack for art.

"(He had an) extremely artistic talent. No one will ever be able to know the extent of to which that talent could've gone. We're very proud of him," said Stacey Holley, Matthew Holley's mother.

"It made me very proud that he actually wanted to be like his dad," said John Holley, Matthew Holley's father.

Both his parents are veterans of the 101st Airborne.

Friday morning, his parents said goodbye to their only child.

Matthew Holley received full military honors, including three medals for his service.

Holley was known as "Doc" his fellow soldiers and was engaged to be married.

Days before he died, he asked his family to send him crayons so he could teach the Iraqi children how to draw.