A Valley army soldier, Alex Gonzalez's life was tragically taken while fighting in Iraq.

21 year-old Mission native, Alex Gonzalez, lost his life after being bombarded by a rocket grenade while fighting for his country. His father, Alfredo Gonzalez, an army veteran, recalls the moment he heard the heartbreaking news.

The Gonzalez family says Alex was the type of guy everyone loved, outgoing, athletic, smart and a true fighter. His parents say he had been injured in Iraq twice prior to his death. Knowing this, they say made them not want him to continue fighting, but his courageous, no quiting attitude they say, made him carry on.

Alex was a 2005 graduate of Mission high school, he leaves behind three young sisters. Gonzalez is the 28th Valley soldier to die in the line of duty.