Sgt. Frank B. Hernandez

Monday, February 21 2005 @ 08:37 AM EST

AZCentral.com -- A 21-year-old Phoenix soldier was killed Thursday in Iraq when a bomb exploded near his vehicle.

Sgt. Frank B. Hernandez died about 2 p.m. Iraq time in Tal Afar, an insurgent stronghold near the northern city of Mosul. Another soldier, whose name was not released, was injured in the blast and taken to a military hospital in Mosul, according to a press release from U.S. Central Command.

Hernandez was part of the Stryker Brigade, named after the Stryker combat vehicle, a light and mobile hybrid tank that carries significant firepower, according to the Army. He was based in Fort Lewis, Wash., and was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.

On a Web site that follows the progress and welfare of Stryker soldiers, a woman who identified herself as Hernandez's wife wrote a brief note about his death. The note was posted after the death was announced, but before the soldier was identified publicly.

Cristin Hernandez wrote: "He has died fighting for his country on his second tour to Iraq. Please pray for him. I love you Frankie B!"

Family members of other service men and women posted nearly a dozen responses. One woman, who said her son served on both of Hernandez's tours with him, wrote: "I wish that there was something I could do or say to take away or ease that pain and sorrow you feel, but of course, nothing will . . . He will always be remembered as a true American hero."

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