 KPHO Phoenix -- PHOENIX -- Enemy fire caused the death of a soldier from the Navajo Nation in Iraq, the Army said Thursday.
Army Sgt. Christopher Neil Gonzalez, 25, was one of two soldiers killed in Salman Pak on Monday from wounds suffered when their unit came across enemy forces using an improvised explosive device and small arms, according to the Department of Defense.
Gonzalez, who was from Winslow, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
A delegate at the Navajo Nation Council had said Gonzalez was carrying out his second tour of duty in Iraq and left behind a wife and child.
Details on funeral services were unavailable.
Survivors include his mother, Judy Nez of Birdsprings, Ariz.
On Tuesday, Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley issued a proclamation in honor and in recognition of Sgt. Gonzalez.
Shirley also ordered flags on the Navajo Nation flown at half-staff from May 16 to May 20 in honor of Gonzalez.
|
I would like to say thank you to you and the other soldier from your unit(1/15th Inf.) who was also killed in that attack for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
"Can Do"(15th Inf. Motto)