'His family is proud of him,' says dad of Ft. Lewis soldier

'His family is proud of him,' says dad of Ft. Lewis soldier
A 21-year-old soldier based at Fort Lewis has been killed in Afghanistan.

By The Associated Press and Seattle Times staff

An Army team carries the remains of Army Spc. Troy Orion Tom at Dover Air Force Base, Del., on Friday. Spec Tom was based at Fort Lewis.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 21-year-old soldier based at Fort Lewis has been killed in Afghanistan.

Army Spec. Troy Orion Tom was described by his mother as someone who made everyone smile. His father remembered him as an outgoing man with an interest in the outdoors and art.

His parents, Navajo Nation Council Delegate David Tom of Beclabito-Cudii and his wife, Carolyn Tom, flew to Dover Air Force Base, Del., for a brief ceremony Thursday night when the body of their son was brought back to the United States.

"Right now he's just our hero," David Tom said Friday. "His family is all proud of him that he was out there, serving his country."
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