Las Crucen Killed In Iraq

LAS CRUCES, NM. – The Pentagon says a Las Cruces man is among four American soldiers killed by a suicide bomber at a checkpoint south of Baghdad. 19 year-old Private First Class Mario Reyes graduated from Mayfield High School in 2004.

PFC Reyes was a member of the Army’s Third Armored Cavalry. According to the Pentagon, he was south of Baghdad on Monday when he was killed by a suicide bomber, along with three other American soldiers.

Mario’s cousin, Jaime Reyes tells ABC-7 that, “As far back as I can remember, Mario wanted to join the Army. He wanted to serve his adopted country as best he could.” According to Mr. Reyes, Mario was not yet an American Citizen.

In a statement released Wednesday, PFC Reyes’ family said Mario wanted joined the US Army to obtain his US Citizenship and that he wanted to be a deputy for the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department once he left the military.

After the news of PFC Reyes’ death reached the City of the Crosses, flags were lowered to half-staff at Mayfield High where he had played football. Late Wednesday afternoon, Las Cruces Mayor Bill Mattiace ordered flags at City Hall to be lowered as well.