Joshua Mattero remembered

The family of a Chula Vista soldier killed in Iraq shared their memories of the man who is being remembered as a hero.

Staff Sgt. Joshua Mattero, 29, was killed in Iraq Tuesday while attempting to detonate a bomb, military officials said. He was a member of the Army and was the senior enlisted man in his unit, assigned to an explosive ordinance battalion out of Andrews Air Force Base.

Mattero's sister, brother and mother shared memories of their loved one with NBC 7/39 Friday.

Melissa Mattero said, "He was one I always looked up to. No matter what I needed he was always there."

His mother Sarah Mattero said her son was fun-loving and spontaneous. She told NBC 7/39 what Army officials said to her when they delivered the news of her son's death.

"They were very emphatic that he was a hero. Because of him there were very many lives saved that day. What he was doing was extremely hard," she said.

Mattero was a graduate of Castle Park High School and was an Eagle Scout. He joined the Army nine years ago.

His family said he kept in constant touch with them by e-mail and phone calls and was looking forward to meeting his brother and sister at Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany.

Melissa Mattero said when she thinks of her brother, she thinks of his positive personality.

"I can't think of one person who didn't like him. No matter where he went, he was always finding friends. That one person who was the center of attention or playing that one prank to make everyone laugh."

The family said a memorial service will be held here in the San Diego area, but they have not made firm plans. They said Mattero's final resting place would likely be at Arlington National Cemetery.

From NBC 7

Related Link:
Joshua P. Mattero dies 'wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device'