
FRUITVALE, Texas — A soldier from this East Texas town was killed this week in a land mine explosion in Iraq, military officials said.
Sgt. Steven Wayne White, a 29-year-old mechanic, died and another soldier suffered severe burns Aug. 13 when their armored troop carrier hit an anti-tank mine just outside Tikrit, Saddam Hussein’s hometown.
White’s family was notified of his death later that night. At least 60 Americans have been killed in Iraq since May 1, when President Bush declared major combat operations over.
“He would always want to come home and visit with classmates and see his family,” his wife, Laniece, told the Tyler Morning Telegraph for Aug....