Dallas Morning News -- The Department of Defense announced that Pfc. Joe L. Baines, 19, of Newark, N.J., died Saturday of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Humvee in Taji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood.

Baines had been in Iraq since October, according to Fort Hood public affairs.

"Joe was a wonderful son and a dedicated soldier who wanted to make the world a better place," his family said in a statement released by Fort Hood. "Our entire family is proud of him and his service to our nation."

"We will always remember Joe as a loving son and a hero, and he will forever be missed by his family and by his many friends," his family said. His interests included music and basketball.

Born in Newark, Baines attended Summit Quest Academy in Ephrata, Pa., graduating in 2005. He enlisted in the Army in September 2005.

He is survived by his mother, Yolanda Torres; a sister, Carol Baines; brothers Adam and James Baines; his stepbrother, Stephone Durant, and stepsisters Stephanie and Lisa Durant