Army Sgt. Skipper Soram

Died September 22, 2004 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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23, of Kolonia Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia; assigned to 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas; killed Sept. 22 when a vehicle-based improvised explosive device detonated near his security post in Baghdad.

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Twin brothers went different ways after high school

The Associated Press

For 20 years, Skipper and Skipson Soram were inseparable. The twin brothers learned how to fish together, went to high school together and registered for college together.

Then about four years ago, Skipper Soram was recruited to the Army. Now Skipson awaits his older twin brother’s body.

Skipper Soram, 23, of Kolonia, Micronesia, died Sept. 22 in Baghdad when a bomb detonated near his security post. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

The Soram brothers graduated from high school in 1999 and both took the Army’s aptitude test. Skipper Soram’s scores attracted the attention of recruiters.

Skipson Soram said he and his parents supported Skipper’s decision to join the military, although he admitted that it was tough watching his twin brother board the aircraft that would take him to Army training.

“For the first time in life, we were separated. Really separated, like I know I can’t come home and see him here waiting for me,” Skipson Soram said. “It was really hard to think about him so far away.”

Skipper Soram also is survived by his wife.