U.S. Army Pfc. Orlando E. “Eric” Gonzalez, 21, of New Freedom, was one of four soldiers killed in a blast in the province of Diyala, northwest of Baghdad, according to a news release from the Department of Defense.

The four were killed and two others were wounded when an explosion struck their patrol in the religiously mixed province that has seen fierce fighting in recent months.

“On a daily basis Private First Class Gonzalez displayed courage, honor and selfless service, in the struggle to keep America safe and improve the nation of Iraq,” Capt. John Carson, 5th Squadron 73rd Cavalry, Rear Detachment Commander said in a news release.

Gonzalez is survived by his father, Orlando G. Gonzalez, of Bridgeport, Conn.; his mother, Carmen M. Diaz, and other relatives and friends in New Freedom. The family asked that its privacy be respected during this time and declined interviews Tuesday.

Susquehannock High School Principal Brian Cashman remembers Gonzalez as someone who remained upbeat despite a “rough” life, on which Cashman would not elaborate.

Cashman said Gonzalez “always had a smile on his face" and was "kind of a handful, but you couldn't help but like him."

Joining the Army gave Gonzalez stability in his life, Cashman said.

"I think the Army is what he needed at that time," he added.

Gonzalez invited Cashman to his ceremony to swear in after he joined the Army.

"I'm glad I went," Cashman said.

He said he planned to take time to remember Gonzalez at school.

"We certainly will spend a moment in the silent meditation (today) in his memory to honor him and show respect to his service to his country," Cashman said.

Gonzalez lived at the Summit Grove Camp in New Freedom for much of his senior year and until he left to join the Army, said camp director Patrick Le- Blanc. Summit Grove Camp is a faith-based camp that hosts children's camps throughout the year.

"He was an amazing spirit," LeBlanc said. "We just loved him around here."

LeBlanc recalls how excited Gonzalez was about joining the military and his pride when he showed off his uniform. Gonzalez called LeBlanc regularly to update him on life in the Army.

"(The Army) was the second happiest place I'd seen him, other than the camp here," Le- Blanc said.

The camp director said Gonzalez was doing work he loved.

"He wanted to be a soldier. It's hard news, and we are all saddened, but he was doing what he wanted to do."

Gonzalez was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division based at Ft. Bragg, N.C, where he was a scout javelin gunner for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 5th Squadron, 73rd Calvary Regiment. He was a decorated private who won numerous awards and recognition, according to the news release.

"This hero will be sorely missed and will forever live in our memories," Carson said.

As of Tuesday, 3,242 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. More than 165 of those service members were from Pennsylvania.