Jason M Meyer

Eight days after celebrating his first wedding anniversary from afar, Army Pfc. Jason Meyer of Howell, Mich., was killed in action in Iraq.

His wife, Melissa, 19, was being strong as she and her family fought through their grief.

“There’s moments when it’s very difficult and others when it’s only a little difficult,” said Melissa’s father, John Arnould of Swartz Creek.

Meyer, 23, died April 8 when the armored personnel carrier he was riding in took enemy fire.

Meyer’s mother, Kathy Worthington, said she last heard from him on Valentine’s Day in a phone call from Kuwait City. She said the worry and fear came mostly from her, and he sought to reassure her. “He was always upbeat and happy. He was always a great kid.”

Meyer...