Oct. 21, 2005 – Private First Class Jose M. Rosario of Campo Rico, St. Croix, was killed on Wednesday while on assignment in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Rosario, a 2004 graduate of the St. Croix Educational Complex Adult Education, lived in Estate Campo Rico before deploying to Iraq. Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, Lt. Gov. Vargrave Richards and Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen sent condolences to the family on Friday.
Rosario was killed on Wednesday when his Humvee was hit by indirect fire while on patrol in Balad, Iraq. He was a member of the C/5-7 Armored Squadron, 1st Brigade Combat Team 42nd Infantry Division.
He is the fourth soldier with ties to the Virgin Islands to die in the Iraq War.
"Pfc. Rosario joins the long list of Virgin Islands heroes who left the shores of the territory to serve in the military service and paid the ultimate price for their service," Turnbull said.
Richards also extended his condolences to the family and friends of Rosario.
"I am truly saddened to learn of the unfortunate passing of this young, brave Virgin Islander," Richards said. "Private First Class Rosario made the noblest sacrifice in the name of freedom and democracy. His courage will not be forgotten."
"My family, staff and I are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to his mother, Gregoria, and stepfather, Esteban Christian, and his circle of family and friends at this time of sorrow," said Christensen.
"Our young men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way in the service to our country are indeed our greatest heroes," Christensen said. "Their service and their sacrifice is never to be forgotten or taken lightly. I am sure that the whole community shares the grief of his family at this sad time, but we are also immensely proud of him for the character and bravery that he has shown in his short, but precious lifetime."

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