Spc. Sean Mitchell ., 1st Engineers, 1st Brigade,

1st Division, March 31, 2004

At 6-foot-4, Sean Mitchell was known to friends as "the gentle giant," a natural athlete who also volunteered at a local nursing home.

"He just loved old people," said his mother, Danielle Mitchell . Mitchell , 24, of Youngsville, Pa., was among five soldiers killed March 31, 2004, when a bomb exploded near their armored personnel carrier in Habbaniyah, just outside of Fallujah, Iraq. He was based at Fort Riley.

After graduating from high school, Mitchell was a regular sight at his alma mater, where he helped coach the track team. He also received an associate's degree in business and computers but wasn't able to find a job, so he enlisted.

The Army was a good way to support him and the family he planned with his wife Denise.

"I can't say what prompted him to join," said his mother. But once in, "He was absolutely committed. I was proud of that."