
A native of Nicaragua, Gabriel Palacios joined the Army in 2002. The combat engineer moved with front line troops, clearing mines, building temporary bridges and evaluating whether buildings and other structures were safe for troops to enter. Spc. Palacios, 22, died Jan. 21 when a mortar round exploded near Baqoubah, Iraq. He was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and listed Lynn, Mass., as his home.
— Associated Press
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