Utah Soldier Killed in Iraq

Utah Soldier Killed in Iraq


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Alex Cabrero ReportingA Utah soldier has died in Iraq. Tonight his family is left remembering better times.

"He was a good guy, a good soldier. He was a good father and a good husband."

Greg Gourley was killed by a roadside bomb yesterday while on patrol in Iraq. Gourley is from Midvale. He graduated from Hillcrest High School.

Utah Soldier Killed in Iraq

If you go to the Gourley's home in Midvale, you'll see lots of flags surrounding the home. Neighbors and friends put them there for support, and right now the family can use all the support they can get.

Jerome Gourley, Greg's Fathr: "It's a high price to pay. Freedom isn't free, there's a price to pay."

It's hard to say what Jerome Gourley is most proud of about his son Greg -- that he fought for his country, and that he died for it.

Jerome Gourley: "He was where he wanted to be, doing what he wanted to do, with guys that he loved."

Greg Gourley was on patrol yesterday with the 101st Airborne in Iraq.

Jerome Gourley: "One of the elite units of the army."

They approached a roadside bomb, but like so many other soldiers, had no way of knowing it. It exploded and killed him.

Jerome Gourley: "When a chaplain is standing on your front porch, it's just like TV. He doesn't have good news."

Flowers now sit on his table and more from family friends keep coming. Friends and phone calls. It's amazing how soothing a familiar voice is at a time like this.

Jerome remembers talking to his son just a few days ago.

Jerome Gourley: "Said he was fine. I told him to be so careful, use his judgment, use his experience."

But there's no training available to know where a hidden bomb is.

Jerome Gourley: "There's just no way to defend against a suicide bomber or an IED. There's no defense for that."

And no real way to make any of this any easier.

Jerome Gourley: "He was very proud of what they were doing."

His body should make it back to the United States later this week. He's set to be buried at the Murray cemetery. Gourley, 38 years old, leaves behind a wife and four children.

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