Three Fort Lewis soldiers die in Iraq, 8 in last week

FORT LEWIS — Three Stryker Brigade soldiers, including one from Washington state, have been killed in Iraq, reportedly while giving toys to children, bringing total losses from this military post near Tacoma to eight soldiers in less than a week.

The latest casualties, confirmed in an Army statement this morning, were Cpl. Christopher J. Nelson, 22, of Rochester, south of Olympia; Cpl. Jason T. Lee, 26, of Fruitport, Mich., and Pfc. Marius Ferrero, 23, of Miami.

All were members of the 1st Battalion, 38th Infantry Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, and died Sunday when an improvised explosive device was detonated in Baqouba.

Eight soldiers from Fort Lewis have died in Diyala province in six days

Leo Marquez, Nelson's father-in-law, and other relatives said all three soldiers died in an attack as they were distributing toys and other gifts to children at a playground. At least three children also died and seven were wounded.

Nelson was "just a good-hearted guy" who played football in high school, enjoyed riding all-terrain vehicles and was drawn to children, often ignoring other adults in favor of playing with younger brother, sisters, nieces and nephews, Marquez said.

"He just wanted to serve his country and he believed in what was going on," Marquez said.