U.S. troops who have died while serving in Iraq and Kuwait

Army Pfc. Daniel J. Agami

Daniel J. Agami was well-known for taking pride in teaching his fellow soldiers about Judaism, many of whom told him they were unfamiliar with his faith.

In the Army "Jewish kids often hide the fact they are Jewish," Rabbi Denburg said. "He was the only Jew on base that was openly proud to say he was a Jew." Fellow soldiers affectionately called him "G.I. Jew."

Agami, 25, of Coconut Creek, Fla., was killed June 21 by an explosive in Baghdad. He was assigned to Schweinfurt, Germany.

"How can you put it in the words? He was the best of the best," Sandra Becker, his grandmother.

Agami kept in touch with everyone on his MySpace page, where he displayed his zany sense of humor with dozens of pictures of him in combat _ and at play.

He "was the sweetest boyfriend," said Gina Mulligan, and he called her every other day. He made sure to send her affectionate daily e-mails, too, even if they were just to say "Hi, bye, I'm OK."

He is survived by his parents, Beth and Itzhak.

"He loved to party," said Itzhak Agami. "He was quick with the jokes. He had 10,000 friends, and 10,000 friends thinking he was their best friend."

Army Sgt. James C. Akin

James C. Akin had dreams of one day making the Oval Office his own.

"When you met James Akin he would say, 'Hi, My name is James, I'm going to one day be president of the United States,'" said Victor Raigoza, a friend. "This is an individual that is so gregarious and so charming, and intelligent, that indeed one day he may have been president of the United States."

Akin, 23, of Albuquerque, N.M., was killed June 3 by an explosive in Thania. He was a 2001 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Lewis.

Raigoza said Akin's character is showcased in a letter he wrote: "Live life to serve, because you can. Dissent, because you can. Enjoy freedom, because you can."

He loved listening to Kenny Chesney, Aerosmith, Audioslave, Eminem and 50 Cent. He thought "Forrest Gump" was the greatest movie of all time and liked anything with Tom Hanks or Julia Roberts in it.

"I think the people of New Mexico and the people of the United States have lost a great potential leader," Raigoza said. "He was willing to put his actions where his mouth was."

He is survived by his wife, Syreeta.

Army Staff Sgt. Travis W. Atkins

After earning a GED, Travis W. Atkins worked as a painter, poured concrete and worked in a snowmobile shop. He enlisted in the Army in November 2000. "When he joined the Army, that's when he found his niche," said his mother, Elaine Atkins.

Atkins, 31, of Bozeman, Mont., was killed June 1 in Yusufiyah when his vehicle struck an explosive, He was assigned to Fort Drum.

"He was an extraordinary leader who cared deeply about the soldiers in his platoon and company. His dedication was contagious and his devotion will be missed," said Capt. Ben Ruschell.

Following his first stint in Iraq, Atkins left the Army, attended the University of Montana and worked in the building trades. He re-enlisted in December 2005 and was sent back to Iraq last summer.

"Travis was an impressive person and you knew that as soon as you met him," said Gene Allison, who worked with Atkins father, Jack.

He also is survived by a son, Trevor Oliver, 11.

"He loved the Army. He did an excellent job," Elaine Atkins said. "He was well thought of by his subordinates and his superior officers."

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ryan A. Balmer

It was Ryan A. Balmer's smile that helped his fellow airmen when they were in harm's way, said Brig. Gen. Dana A. Simmons.

"No matter how bad it got, no matter what they faced, they could always look to Ryan and see that goofy smile," he said. "Their words, not mine."

Balmer, 33, of Mishawaka, Ind., was killed June 5 by a roadside bomb in Kirkuk. He was a 1992 high school graduate and was assigned to Hill Air Force Base.

"He's not gone," said Special Agent Nate Kerbs. "Anybody that's known him or been around him has a piece of him."

Those who knew Balmer said he never complained, and at 6-foot-2, he had a commanding presence wherever he went. It was Balmer's duty to gather intelligence and help protect Americans and others.

"If there was any tension in the room, he would neutralize it immediately," said Special Agent John Simbulan, another friend. "That's who he was, a calm, cool, collected person."

He is survived by his wife, Danielle, 7-year-old Anthony and Gaby, 1. He also has another son, Joshua, 12, from a previous relationship.

Army Cpl. Zachary D. Baker

After insurgents shot down a U.S. helicopter, Zachary D. Baker was part of a rescue team racing to the scene when a roadside bomb exploded underneath his Bradley.

"That's Bubba for you, always trying to help people, help the world _ just give to everyone," said sister Kara Welcher. "He was just trying to help."

Baker, 24, of Vilonia, Ark., was killed during the ambush on May 28 in Abu Sayda. He was a 2002 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Hood.

"He went to save his buddies, doing his job _ what he wanted to do," said his father, Kenneth Welcher.

Capt. Mike A. Punaro said Baker was one of the most enthusiastic troopers in his unit. He "would not complain about any task or detail, he would just make sure that it got done. His enthusiasm rubbed off on those around him, and it made our troop a better place."

He loved his family, his platoon, the Red Sox and the Arkansas Razorbacks. He also is survived by his wife, Christina, and son, Andrew, 7.

"People need to remember him as a hero and he fought for his country. He wasn't just fighting for his family; he was fighting for everybody," said Welcher.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Eric M. Barnes

Don Kaspar, a Boy Scout leader, remembers meeting Eric M. Barnes as a 15-year old.

"Even then, he showed signs of leading the boys. He was a natural-born leader," Kaspar said. "He always took care of the boys. The ones that needed to be pushed a little bit, he pushed them along and helped them through things."

Barnes, 20, of Lorain, Ohio, was killed June 10 by a bomb about 100 miles south of Baghdad. He was on his second tour and was assigned to F.E. Warren Air Force Base.

He grew his blond hair long in high school to donate to Locks of Love, an organization that provides wigs for those with hair loss. He enjoyed the music and psychedelic styles of the 1970s, posing in a brightly colored tie-dyed shirt for his 2004 high school graduation photo.

"He was one of those kids who you hope your son grows up to be like," Kaspar said.

Eric was a catcher and outfielder on his high school baseball team and earned an Eagle Scout for building a ramp for the disabled. He also was an avid bowler who played a 300 game at age 18 in an adult league.

He is survived by his parents, Tom and Shary.

Army Staff Sgt. Michael A. Bechert

Michael A. Bechert was deployed to Iraq twice. Each time, he was awarded the Purple Heart. He was given the second medal in his hospital room.

His injuries were extensive. Burns covered 87 percent of his body. His limbs were removed in an effort to save his life, but a fungus developed.

His wife, Daniela, a native of Germany, struggled to find words to describe what it was like to be at her husband's bedside.

"You wish you could take the pain from him. You wish you could take the pain from him so he didn't have to suffer," she said. "When I told him 'I love you,' you can read from his tongue and lips back; he said 'I love you too.'"

Bechert, 24, of New Castle, Ind., died June 14 in San Antonio of wounds he suffered in a roadside bomb explosion May 30 in Baghdad. He was assigned to Schweinfurt, Germany.

Bechert also is survived by a 20-month-old son, Branden.

"I've already told everybody I will be back every year. I want to be back for his birthday, for the day he died and for Father's Day, 'cause I don't want Branden to forget his daddy."

Army Pfc. David J. Bentz III

David J. Bentz III was remembered by friends and family as a courteous, sweet man who knew how to put his dedication where it counted.

"He wasn't rambunctious," said Daniel Antonelli, his assistant principal and soccer coach. "He was on the quiet side. But out there on the field, he was tenacious. He'd get all over the place.

"I know he would have fought for his country the same way."

Bentz III, 20, of Newfield, N.J., was killed June 20 in Baghdad when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Stewart.

Bentz loved to play poker and dreamed of becoming a professional card player when he got out of the Army. He delivered pizzas before enlisting.

Bentz studied law enforcement while in high school, and grew up very much the protector of his two younger sisters, Gabrielle Bentz and Brianna Butterworth.

"He was like a big daddy," said Kimberly Geonnotti, his stepmother.

He also is survived by his father, David Bentz Jr.; his birth mother, Lena Butterworth; and Bernadette Bentz, known as his third mother.

Army Spc. Val J. Borm

Val J. Borm began working at a Safeway Food & Drug store at age 16. He carried out groceries and worked as a checker until he graduated from high school and joined the Army.

He stopped by the store about eight months ago to visit when he was home on leave. Rose Gray, a manager, described Borm as hardworking and helpful.

"We're going to miss him," she said.

Borm, 21, of Sidney, Neb., was killed by a roadside bomb June 14 in Kirkuk. He was assigned to Schofield Barracks.

Borm was born in the Philippines and moved to Sidney with his family in 2000. He graduated high school in 2005 and enlisted later that summer.

Borm's father, Larry, said his son enjoyed his Army service. He said his son liked to play computer games in his free time and was an avid paintball competitor.

After Borm's family was notified of his death, word spread quickly through the Panhandle town of 6,500. "Everyone feels the impact of this, and our hearts go out to the family," said Sidney City Manager Gary Person.

He also is survived by his mother, Lolita.

"We are here today to honor a real hero," Maj. Gen. Robert W. Mixon said during funeral services.

Army Spc. Dustin R. Brisky

One day, Dustin R. Brisky approached his great-grandmother and said, "Grandma, do you know why I love you?"

"I said, 'No, why do you love me?'" Irene Burks recalled replying. "And he said, 'I love you because you love me unconditionally. I know I do some things I shouldn't do, but you always smile and forgive me.' That's the kind of boy he was."

Brisky, 26, of Round Rock, Texas, was killed June 14 in Tallil by an explosion. He was a 1999 high school graduate and was assigned to Paris.

"He told us his goal was to come home, get out, find a nice Christian girl and get married," said great-uncle Joe Wiley.

He was generous with his possessions and with his time _ willing to share the last piece of candy, and happily playing cards and dominoes with a doting great-grandmother.

Brisky was the kind of guy who loved his mom, and didn't care who knew. He held her hand in shopping malls and gave her hugs in public. "Dustin's whole life was taking care of me and making me happy," Karen Baker said.

He also is survived by his stepfather, Bob Baker, and his father Bob Brisky.

Army Pfc. Joshua D. Brown

After high school, Joshua D. Brown installed hardwood floors but soon moved to Florida and joined the Army. About a year ago, he found himself in Iraq.

"He went there to help people, and that's what he did," said his father, Wayne Brown. "He was there to help protect the troops being fired on."

Brown, 26, of Tampa, Fla., died June 3 in Baghdad after his vehicle struck an explosive the day before. He was assigned to Schweinfurt, Germany.

Brown grew up in Dearborn Heights, Mich., and graduated high school there in 1998. He played baseball, basketball and soccer. He was also a marksman and did martial arts.

"He was outgoing, very personable," his father said. "He was a friendly guy, but he was tough too."

He was remembered as an outgoing, driven man of action. "Whatever he was engaged in, he gave it his all," said Pastor Gus Flaherty of Fairhaven Assembly of God.

He also is survived by his wife, Elizabeth.

A week before he was killed, Brown talked with his dad on the phone about God. "He told me, 'Don't worry because God is very faithful.' That was great to hear him tell me that."

Army Sgt. William E. Brown

William E. Brown's mother said he always loved things with wheels and engines. Even a former principal can attest to that.

"He was only here for a little while but he was a real likable guy and kind of mechanically inclined," said Gary Harris. "He climbed underneath my vehicle one time while he was here and tried helping me figure out what was wrong with it."

Brown, 25, of Phil Campbell, Ala., was killed June 23 in Taji during a mortar attack. He was a 2002 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Carson. He was on his second tour.

Brown's mother, Theresa Kyser, said everyone that met her son liked him. "He was a little mischievous, but he was so likable that you couldn't help but like him," she said. "He was always making you laugh."

She said she will also remember her son's loving eyes and his caring ways. When he was about 9, he spotted a turtle crossing the road in front of their car. "William made me stop the car and get the turtle off the road so it wouldn't get hit. He was such a compassionate person."

Brown also is survived by his wife, Rachel, and two sons, 6-year-old Ethan and 2-year-old Tyler.

Army Pfc. Henry G. Byrd III

Henry G. Byrd III loved hunting, camping, fishing, swimming, riding horses and bringing smiles to friends' faces.

Louise Ortega, Byrd's aunt, recalled the time she saw Henry wearing two cell phones on his belt. Ortega said with a laugh that "Henry said if he got two phones it was cheaper than one. Then he wouldn't miss a call."

Byrd, 20, of Veguita, N.M., died June 24 in Germany after apparently suffering heatstroke in Iraq. He was a 2004 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Stewart.

Byrd also had a very close relationship with Rick and Belinda Gonzalez and their children. They met him through their daughter, Maranda, who knew Byrd from JROTC.

"He's a really great person with a big heart," Rick Gonzalez said. "He was always happy. He considered my wife and me like a mom and dad. It's a great loss."

"He was like my protector almost. He always called me his little brat. In his letters, it was 'hey, brat.' Nobody expected him to die. He was like my big brother," Maranda said.

He also is survived by his mother, Yolanda Lopez, and father Henry J. Byrd II.

Army Spc. Derek A. Calhoun

A small stuffed raccoon joined the American flag atop Derek A. Calhoun's casket during the young man's funeral service.

Pastor C. Wayne Childers said it had been placed there by Calhoun's niece, Sierra, who had heard a story about him having a raccoon named Rocky as a pet when he was younger.

"They were calling this one Rocky II," he said.

Calhoun, 23, of Oklahoma City, was killed June 23 by a roadside bomb in Taji. He was assigned to Fort Hood.

He enjoyed sports and the outdoors, watching and playing football, basketball, fishing and dogs. He loved to spend time with his nieces and nephews.

"He loved sports, any type," said his father, Alan.

He was badly injured in a bomb attack at Tikrit four months ago. He suffered wounds to his abdomen, wrist and shoulder, and underwent several surgeries.

George "Marty" Brock, the former pastor of South Lindsay Baptist Church, said part of Calhoun's military insurance money will be used to open a new playground at the church.

Brock said no one should forget the sacrifice Calhoun made. "He was _ and forever shall be a hero," he said.

He also is survived by his mother, Lou.

Army Staff Sgt. Juan F. Campos

Juan F. Campos and his future bride, Jamie Drury-Campos, met in 2000 at a bar and grill. She was a waitress and, he told her, his dream girl.

But he was too shy to act on his crush; she had to approach him on the dance floor. Her mother, Birdie McVaney, liked him immediately.

"'You're son-in-law material,' I said, the first day," she remembered.

Campos, 27, of McAllen, Texas, died June 1 at Brooke Army Medical Center of wounds sustained May 14 in Baghdad. He was a 1997 high school graduate and was assigned to Schweinfurt, Germany.

Campos died more than two weeks after a roadside bomb attack that left him burned on over 80 percent of his body. He was transported back to Texas on May 16, where doctors discovered his kidneys were damaged and that he needed a respirator to breathe.

Campos "was an exceptional leader who led from the front," said Brig. Gen. P. K. Keen.

After the injury, his widow learned she was pregnant with the couple's second child. "He knew," said Lydia Caballero, a spokeswoman for a veteran's group. "She was able to tell him before he died."

Campos is also survived by an 8-year-old son, Andre.

Army Pfc. Casey S. Carriker

Casey S. Carriker was one to question everything, which could get him into trouble sometimes. He was interested in philosophy, ethics, human behavior and how people think and feel.

"The world came at him from a different angle," said his father, Terry. "He had an abstract personality. Things didn't hit him the same way. He had a way of looking at a situation and seeing something totally different than what other people got out of it."

Carriker, 20, of Hoquiam, Wash., died June 13 in Kirkuk in a non-combat related incident. He was a 2005 high school graduate and was assigned to Schofield Barracks.

Carriker always had a book with him as he walked through the halls at school _ be it a novel or a book on philosophy.

He signed up right around his 18th birthday and, while always an avid runner, he started to run every day with his backpack full of books to prepare for basic training. Half of it was filled with school books, the other with "whatever bizarre subject he was interested in," Terry Carriker said.

He also is survived by his mother, Sandra Beaudry, and stepmother, Pammy Carriker.

Army Spc. Joe G. Charfauros Jr.

Joe G. Charfauros Jr.'s mother recalled that the last time she talked to his son was in May. Before passing the phone to his wife, she never failed to always tell her son to take care of himself.

"I always told him to be careful. If I had the chance to talk to him, I would still tell him to be careful," said Annie Charfauros

Charfauros, 33, of Rota, Mariana Islands, was killed June 20 by a roadside bomb in Baghdad. He was assigned to Fort Stewart and was a former police officer.

Charfauros's mother described her second oldest son as having a good disposition in life. "He is always the friendly one," she said.

"Charfauros will always be fondly remembered by family and friends during gatherings at the ranch or at the beach," Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez said.

"In making the difficult decision to go on active duty to provide for his wife and children, he again proved that, even if he were far away, he could be counted on and would still be there for his family."

He is survived by his wife Stellita and three kids: Mikeangela, Junelle and Joe II.

Army Sgt. Caleb P. Christopher

Caleb P. Christopher's sister-in-law, Jenny, has fond family memories of trying to outsmart her brother-in-law at endless rounds of Scrabble.

"He had an uncanny ability to triple the word score from nowhere," she said. Added Edward Christopher Jr., Caleb's older brother: "He always could convince you he was right."

Christopher, 25, of Chandler, Ariz., was killed June 3 by a roadside bomb in Baghdad. He was a 2000 high school graduate and was assigned to Fort Hood.

In school, he was an avid wrestler, wrestling all four years through high school. "Caleb loved the sheer simplicity and objectivity behind the sport," said the Rev. Gary Kennedy. "No referees playing preference, nothing. Only the best get to play."

He attended Arizona State University from 2000 to 2001 and enlisted after the attacks on 9/11. His favorite song was "Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Kennedy said Christopher was best known for rallying other soldiers. "'Don't be scared, don't think about it, and we'll get through it,' he'd tell them," he said.

He also is survived by his father, Edward Christopher, and fiancee, Rebecca Cadro.