Daily Press -- A Fort Irwin soldier was killed Friday in Baghdad, Iraq when an improvised explosive device hidden in a vehicle detonated on a road in the western Abu Ghraib region of Baghdad
Sgt. Adrian Orosco, 26, was doing unspecified combat operations when the IED exploded, said Fort Irwin Public Affairs Officer Maj. John Clearwater.
Orosco was an infantryman with the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, stationed at Fort Irwin. He was from Corcoran.
Orosco leaves behind a wife, Elizabeth, and three children between the ages of 3 and 7, who still live at Fort Irwin, Maj. Clearwater said.
"He was a well-respected professional who was working hard for the safety and security of the Iraqi people," Clearwater said. "He was also a wonderful and caring family man."
Orosco arrived at Fort Irwin in October 2004, and was deployed to Iraq shortly after his arrival. Fort Irwin was his first assignment after his initial Army entry training, according to Clearwater.
Clearwater said he hoped the community would keep Fort Irwin's soldiers in their prayers at this difficult time.
"The holidays are traditionally a time of togetherness and cheer," Clearwater said. "Tragedies such as this combined with the fatalities we've had on Fort Irwin Road make this holiday season a time of somber reflection for many in our military community."
Orosco's death is Fort Irwin's 14th casualty since Operation Iraqi Freedom began, and the third soldier killed in Iraq from the 1st Squadron.
The Department of Defense announced five other Army deaths Monday. All six died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.