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Keith McCord ReportingA soldier who grew up in Utah died this week in Iraq. Ty Johnson, a member of the 101st Airborne Division, was killed by a roadside bomb.
Specialist Ty Johnson was riding in a humvee while on patrol in Kirkuk on Tuesday. The army says an IED, a so-called "improvised explosive device", went off. His father, Johnny Johnson says his son was serving his second tour in Iraq.
Johnny Johnson, Ty's father: "He knew he was doing good work. He loved children, loved his children. He was happy to make the next generation, to help people be free, like the freedoms he had in this country."
Ty Johnson enlisted in the Army four years ago. He was sent to Iraq as soon as he left boot camp. He was able to come home for eight months to spend time with his wife and young daughter and son before being sent back.
In Kirkuk, he was in charge of driving his commanding officer from place to place. On Tuesday, he was driving in a humvee.
Johnny Johnson, Ty's father: "Just that he was out on patrol, and that he was coming back, and that's when the explosion of the device went off on his side of the vehicle."
Ty's twin brother Blake was also in the military, serving four years in the Marine Corp. The boys grew up loving the outdoors; fishing was their passion with their father.
Ty loved the Army too and had just re-enlisted for another six-years. He was due to come home this past January, but then his tour was extended for another year.
Johnny Johnson says while war is a tragedy anywhere, he still supports the military. He said his son was proud of the work he was doing and he was proud of his son too.
Johnny Johnson, Ty's father: "He was a wonderful kid, wonderful dad, wonderful son. I'm really going to miss him."
Johnny Johnson says his son's body will be sent home in the next few weeks. Funeral arrangements are pending, though Ty Johnson will be buried at the Midvale Cemetery. Johnson said Governor Huntsman called today to express his condolences.
