Edward L. Brooks dies 'of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device'

DAYTON, Ohio -- Family and friends are remembering a Dayton soldier who was killed this week in Iraq.

Family members described Edward Brooks as dedicated, patriotic and a hero.

Brooks graduated in 2000 from Colonel White High School. The flag at the school was flown at half staff Friday in his honor.

Brooks' stepfather, Darryl Duverglas, said his stepson was killed during his third tour of duty.

Duverglas said, He had been previously wounded three times, but he had a big heart and he wasnt scared.

According to the Department of Defense, Brooks was killed by an improvised explosive device. Family members said the device was set off by a suicide bomber.

Those who knew Brooks best said he was a strong, dedicated solider who wanted nothing more but to serve his country.

Duverglas said, No parent wants their child to go to war. No parent wants to bury their child, but it is a decision our children make, and a decision Ill support.

Brooks also has a stepbrother overseas. Both of them got their interest in the military from their high school junior ROTC program.

From WHIO

An Ohio soldier killed in Iraq was known for his ability to twirl rifles during precision drills when he was in Junior ROTC in high school.

Army Spc. Edward L. Brooks, 25, of Dayton, died Wednesday in Ramadi of wounds caused by an improvised bomb.

Junior ROTC Maj. Odell Graves said Brooks was a member of the Colonel White High School ROTC class of 2000.

"He was one of the true heroes, in my book," Graves said.

From the Cleveland Plain Dealer