Norfolk-based soldier killed in Iraq

FALLUJAH, IRAQ - The Department of Defense announced Friday the death of Norfolk-based soldier Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler J. Trahan.

The 22-year-old East Freetown, Mass. native died on Thursday while conducting combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq.

Trahan enlisted in 2006 and he told a paper in Freetown that he, "Wanted to go and fight for the freedom that he enjoyed growing up."

"He was just an outstanding person, willing to do anything for you. He was just the type of kid that if you told him to jump this high he would jump that high," said Gary Brown, superintendent of Old Colony Vocational Technical School.

"As a community we are extremely proud to have somebody from Freetown serve his country with honor," said family friend Keven Desmarais.

Trahan was assigned to the Explosive Ordinance Unit 12, which was deployed alongside an East Coast based Navy SEAL team.