Matthew P. Houseal

Wednesday, May 13 2009 @ 08:32 PM EDT

WSBT-TV -- ST. JOSEPH, Mich. — One of the victims fatally wounded in Monday's friendly-fire incident in Iraq has local ties.

Dr. Matthew Houseal proudly served his country as a reservist in Iraq. But it's tragedy crossing the great Pacific, coming to the shores of Lake Michigan, that overshadows his years of service.

Major Houseal was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve 55th Medical company. He was fatally wounded Monday in Iraq by friendly fire.

One of his own — Sgt. John Russell — faces murder charges for his death and four others.

News of his death began spreading across St. Joseph, Michigan.

"I couldn't believe it happened," said Van Taylor.

Friends tell WSBT News the St. Joseph High School alum grew up in the city. They say his parents and many of his family members still call St. Joseph home.

But it's not just one local community dealing with the loss; family and co-workers in Amarillo, Texas also grieve.

Houseal lived there with his wife and children and he worked alongside other doctors at the Texas Panhandle Mental Health and Mental Retardation clinic for more than a decade.

A memorial in his honor was created to celebrate his life.

"I think that it was a sad tragedy," Taylor said.

Family members, still coping with news, didn't want to talk on camera at this time, but said:

"We're deeply saddened over our loss. As we mourn the loss of our son, we ask that you keep his wife and family in your prayers."

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