COCONUT CREEK, FLA. (WSVN) - A soldier with roots in South Florida gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country, Sunday.
Thirty-year-old Army Sgt. Roshan Brooks was killed, Sunday, while taking part in a combat operation in Iraq, according to the Department of Defense.
“I just want to be able to honor his name because he’s not just a fallen soldier, he’s our soldier,” said his cousin Tosha Chambers.
Brooks was born in Jamaica, grew up in South Florida and graduated from Coconut Creek High School, before moving to Brooklyn as an adult.
Along with Brooks, 22-year-old Specialist Allen Stigler Jr. of Arlington, Texas also lost his life during the combat mission.
“They were loading the tankers with bombs, and it went off,” said Chambers. Several others were injured.
This was Brooks’ second tour of duty in Iraq, and he was a member of the Airborne regiment.
“He fought for every single person. He went on his first tour and came out victorious. This was his second tour and he was fighting ISIS,” Chambers said.
ISIS fighters tried to claim responsibility for the deaths of the two soldiers, but the DOD said it’s not true. The military said the deaths were not combat related.
Chambers said Brooks chose to enter the military to fight for freedom all over the world.
“I need him to be remembered as someone who fought to get rid of people that oppress people, people that endanger other people, people who hate other people,” Chambers said.
Brooks is survived by several family members including two sisters and a bother.
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