
CARMICHAEL, Calif. — Army Pfc. Raymond Spencer Jr. once harbored dreams of playing professional hockey, but his life took a different path and he instead joined the military.
Spencer, 23, of Carmichael, died in Baghdad of wounds suffered June 21 when his unit was attacked by insurgents using an improvised explosive device and small-arms fire, the Department of Defense said June 23.
He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, in Fort Bliss, Texas.
The former Placer Hills firefighter who coached youth hockey was proud to serve his country.
“People sleep peaceably in their...