(Washington, DC, October 21, 2005) — Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen today expressed her deepest condolences to the family of Private First Class Jose M. Rosario of Campo Rico, St. Croix who was killed in Iraq in the line of duty on Wednesday.

“My family, staff and I are deeply saddened and extend our condolences to his mother, Gregoria and stepfather Esteban Christian and his circle of family and friends at this time of sorrow,” said Delegate Christensen. “Our young men and women who voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way in the service to our country are indeed our greatest heroes,” Christensen said.  “Their service and their sacrifice is never to be forgotten or taken lightly.  I am sure that the whole community shares the grief of his family at this sad time, but we are also immensely proud of him for the character and bravery that he has shown in his short, but precious lifetime.”

PFC Rosario died in Balad, Iraq on Wednesday when his up-armored humvee was hit with indirect fire while on patrol.  He was a member of C/5-7 Armored Squadron, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 42nd Infantry Division.  He is the fourth Virgin Islands soldier to die in the Iraq War.