Staff Sgt. Gary L . Collins , 1st Bn., 16th Regt., 1st Infantry Division, Nov. 8, 2003

Those close to Gary L . Collins remember a man with a strong sense of honor and personal duty, a man who chose a military career because he wanted to protect the world.

"He was just a hell of a man," said his father, Don Collins . "Very dedicated ... felt like he was fighting for the just cause." Collins , 32, of Hardin, Texas died with two fellow soldiers Nov. 8, 2003, when the vehicle he was riding in hit an explosive. As a staff sergeant, he was commander of the vehicle.

Collins was a professional soldier who had qualified as a Ranger and had seven Army Achievement Medals and three Army Commendation Medals to show for his 12 years in the Army. When he was sent to Iraq in September, family members hoped his experience would help keep him safe.

"I figured his odds of surviving were way better than the average person that hadn't had the training he had," his father said.

Following announcement of his death, former classmates at Magnolia High School in Texas organized a memorial service. An acquaintance, Michelle Brady, described Collins as "this skinny little high school guy playing football and having a good time."

He married his high school sweetheart, Kassie, and she survives, as do two daughters, Taylor and Landry.

Sgt. Collins was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.