KBCity.com -- The Idaho Army National Guard has confirmed 19-year-old Specialist Carrie French of Caldwell, has become the first female soldier from Idaho to die in combat.

"To our knowledge, she is the first female soldier from Idaho killed in combat. I think it's important to remember that even though she was was a woman, she was a soldier first. She stood up alongside her soldiers and defended America's freedom. And our hearts go out to her family and friends," said Army Guard Spokesman Lt. Tony Vincelli.

French was killed Sunday in Kirkuk, after a roadside bomb hit her convoy vehicle and exploded. French served with the Army National Guard's 145th Support Battalion, which is based in Boise.

In life, and now in death, the ribbons at the home of Specialist Carrie French's family honor her service and sacrifice.

Friends tell us French went to school in Middleton before graduating from Caldwell High School in 2004.

French's family has declined to speak with the media, but have released a statement saying, "Carrie was a fun-loving young woman with a warm heart and a desire to serve. She was loved by everyone who knew her and she will be dearly missed."

News of French's death hits the Treasure Valley just as a soldier from Nampa, U.S. Army Private Jason Beyer, was also injured by a roadside bomb, according to his family.

Relatives say Beyer is in serious condition at a hospital in Washington, D.C.

The news has hit a nerve with many, reminding us of the harsh realities of war.

Neighbor Dixie Lane says Specialist French's father spoke often and proudly about his daughter.

"We love them and we feel their sorrow. And we want them to know if there's anything we can do," Lane said as she began to cry. "But that's a hard thing to do because a child, you can never take their place."

Gov. Dirk Kempthorne released a statement Monday evening, saying, "We must always remember - we must never forget - that Specialist French gave her life in the selfless defense of all that we hold dear. We should be proud of her service and humbly grateful for her sacrifice."