[Calpernia]

Army Pfc. Min Soo Choi, 21, was born in Seoul, South Korea, and had lived with his family in River Vale for the past seven years. He was killed Feb. 26 in an explosion in Abertha, Iraq, a month after he had arrived in the country.

[Kretek]

Choi also received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and combat Infantry Badge.

Well, if nothing else, that ought to put him on the fast-track to citizenship. It's sad that he died so soon in the service of his adopted country.

[dennisw]

Army Pfc. Min S. Choi

21, of River Vale, N.J.; assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; killed Feb. 26 when21, of River Vale, N.J.; assigned to the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; killed Feb. 26 when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on patrol in Abertha, Iraq. Also killed was Army Pvt. Landon S. Giles.

 an improvised explosive device detonated while he was on patrol in Abertha, Iraq. Also killed was Army Pvt. Landon S. Giles.

 

__________________________

 

  River Vale soldier killed in Iraq

Associated Press

RIVER VALE, N.J. — A 21-year-old soldier from this Bergen County community was killed Saturday when an explosive device detonated near his patrol in Abertha, Iraq, the Defense Department said Tuesday.

Pfc. Min Soo Choi died just one month after he was deployed, according to family members.

Choi, who was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division’s 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry, had moved to River Vale with his family from South Korea about seven years ago.

Although he was not yet an American citizen, he told a neighbor, Donna LoPiccolo, “I’m just proud to serve.” His father, Jung Choi, said his son looked forward to becoming a citizen after completing his military service.

Choi was a 2003 graduate of Pascack Valley High School, where he played golf and soccer. School principal Barbara Sapienza described him as “a very well-respected young man.”

Choi was hoping to pursue a criminal justice degree and a career in the FBI, his father said.

[TexasTaysor]

God bless this American hero and his family for his unselfish service to his adopted country. Thank you Pfc. Choi

[OldSgt.]

Thanks for the Post !

A sharp salute, to a fallen American.

[proud American in Canada]

Thank you for the ping.

What a sad story. But, I hope his family finds some comfort in the citizenship and medals he received.

That's amazing to me that immigrants sign up to serve their new country--remember that Marine who shielded the others from a grenade with his body? I think he was from Mexico?--while so many who grow up in this comfortable life take their freedom for granted.