Yakima County soldier who died in Iraq "a hero"

American flags were flown at half-staff Wednesday throughout Grandview, Yakima County, in honor of 20-year-old Army Spc. Matt J. Emerson, who died in Iraq.

Emerson, a gunner on a humvee, died instantly when he was thrown from his vehicle Tuesday during an evening patrol in Mosul, his older brother, Joe Emerson, said Wednesday.

"I don't know if the vehicle came under fire or not," Joe Emerson said.

Department of Defense officials described the incident as noncombative, but did not provide any details.

A somber mood hovered over this small city of about 8,500 residents on Wednesday. High-school officials are planning a special gathering honoring Emerson, a former football player, during Friday's homecoming game.

Emerson, who was stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, always dreamed of serving his county, and joined the Army after graduating from Grandview High School in 2004. He was deployed to Iraq in November, his brother said.

"Ever since he was a little kid ... he loved it," he recalled. "That was his calling."

"He's my hero," Joe Emerson said. "Giving his life for the country — not only for his family, but for everyone — and we all love him for that."

Emerson's parents, L.J. and Gina, were unavailable for comment. Emerson also has a sister in Seattle.

3 Fort Lewis soldiers killed in bombing

Three Fort Lewis soldiers have died in Iraq, the Army announced Wednesday.

Spc. Joseph N. Landry, 23, of Pensacola, Fla.; Spc. Nicholas P. Olson, 22, of Novato, Calif.; and Spc. Donald E. Valentine III, 21, of Orange Park, Fla., were killed Tuesday by a bomb in Muqdadiyah.

The three were part of the Fort Lewis-based Stryker Brigade Combat Team.