Rick Morris loved his country. That patriotism led the Monterey native to enlist in the Marines and serve in Iraq.

He died there Thursday, about a month after arriving, killed by mortar fire while on patrol. He was 20.

His parents, who have lived in Texas for several years, have returned to Monterey to be among family and friends. They will bury Rick here on Thursday.

&uot;He was a wonderful son,&uot; his mother Dana Morris said Monday. &uot;He was never in trouble; he never caused us any problems.&uot;

Rick was a U.S. Marine serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force based in Twentynine Palms, Calif.

The third of four children of Dana and Ricky Sr., Rick Morris graduated from an Austin, Texas-area high school, where he was a star football player.

Despite spending the past several years in Texas, the family returned often to Monterey, his mother said. The family has three other children, including a daughter, Leah, who still lives in Monterey.

&uot;When we said we were going home, they knew we were going to Monterey,&uot; Dana Morris said.

Rick Morris didn’t always know he wanted to join the military, but when a recruiter for the Marines came to his high school s, he decided to sign up.

&uot;We tried to talk him out of it, but he was pretty insistent,&uot; Dana Morris said.

The events of 9/11 may not have directly contributed to her son’s decision, but Dana Morris believes the atmosphere in the country spurred his own patriotism.

&uot;I would say 9/11 had a lot to do with it,&uot; she said. &uot;He never said that’s what sparked it, but he was very patriotic. He loved his country.&uot;

When Rick left for Kuwait, Morris worried. But she never imagined this outcome.

&uot;I never would have imagined that he would never come home,&uot; she said. &uot;We missed him; we looked forward to him coming home in September.&uot;

Rick Morris will be buried Thursday at Magnolia Campbell Cemetery, with a full military funeral. He will be laid to rest beside his cousin and best friend, Kayla Hamilton, who lost her own life three years ago in a four-wheeler accident.

For the Morris family, being around family in Monterey this week has been a great comfort.

&uot;We wouldn’t have it any other way,&uot; Dana Morris said. &uot;They don’t allow us to do anything.&uot;

As the family copes with the loss, Dana Morris said she takes comfort in the pride she has for her son.

&uot;I am proud of all of my children, but there will never be another Rick,&uot; Dana Morris said.