Army Cpl. Jason C. Kazarick

Died April 7, 2008 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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30, of Oakmont, Pa.; assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; died April 7 in Baghdad when enemy forces attacked using a rocket-propelled grenade. Also killed was Sgt. Michael T. Lilly.

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Army Spc. Jason C. Kazarick remembered

The Associated Press

Jason C. Kazarick was always quick to drop what he was doing to help carry groceries or trash bags for the residents in his apartment house.

“He was a very kind and respectful guy,” said Norma Jean Leslie. “He really left an impression on me. It truly breaks my heart to know that he is gone.”

Kazarick, 30, of Oakmont, Pa., was killed April 7 by an explosive in Baghdad. He was a 1995 high school graduate and was assigned to Vilseck, Germany.

“When you were around Jason, he made you a better soldier. It was an honor to serve with him, but it was a greater honor to be Jason’s friend,” Sgt. Andrew Sivley said.

Kazarick was in top physical shape and wanted to go to Ranger school and try out for Special Forces, Capt. Emmanuel Sioson said.

“He was experienced, calm and ready to go. He was a great soldier, but he also didn’t take himself too seriously,” he said.

“He wanted to make a difference. He saw the Army and the honorable profession of soldiering as the way to make that difference,” Brig. Gen. Dana Chipman said.

He is survived by his fiancee, Susanne Hutzelmeier and her young son, Tim.