Sgt. Jonathan P. Kingman will always be remembered by family and friends as a "very energetic" and "very honest person" who strived to help others.

"He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help out anywhere," said Jeff Hill, Kingman's former principal at Mapleton (Ohio) High School. "I thought the military was a good choice for him because it gave him focus. It was a good fit for him."

Kingman, 21, Nankin, Ohio, was killed near Baji, Iraq, on Jan. 20, 2007, when his vehicle struck a roadside bomb. He was a combat engineer assigned to the 1st Engineer Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley.

Sgt. Jonathan P. Kingman

Kingman joined the Army in August of 2003 and was promoted to sergeant in October of 2006.

"He was a good kid," said his aunt, Wilma Smith.

Kingman's father, Samuel, also served in the military in Iraq and was there at the same time as his son when he was deployed from 2004 to 2005.

"He was very proud that he was going to go into the military," said Bob Hagner, who worked with Kingman in a high school occupational work experience program. "He thought that he and his father might be over there at the same time at one point."

While in high school, Kingman sang in the school choir, played basketball, and was a member of the track team. To earn money he worked as a farmhand and at the local Dairy Queen shop.

Shortly after arriving at Fort Riley in 2004, Kingman deployed to Iraq and joined Bravo Company, 1st Engineer Battalion. He redeployed in September of 2004 as a part of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, where he served as a team leader.

In March of 2006, he helped Bravo Company convert into the 41st Engineer Company by building and guiding new enlisted troops into the unit. In September of 2006, he deployed with the 1st Battalion to Iraq.

Kingman's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Combat Action Badge.

Kingman is survived by his wife, Melissa; a daughter, Alexis; and twin boys, Jonathan and Rylee.

Wednesday: Capt. Donnie Belser