Sgt. Stephen P. Saxton of Temecula, Calif., was looking forward to taking a leave in less than a month to visit his newest child who was born three weeks earlier. He was a athletic student in high school who was equally drawn to the math team and the football team. He opted for the military in part to earn money for college thinking it would be the best decision for his family. He had a gift for lifting the spirits of those around him always looking for the bright side of a situation and anything he decided to do, he always gave it his best. Saxton is survived by his wife, and three children, and his mother. He was the 51st soldier from Fort Carson to die in Iraq since the war started in March 2003. He was 24.

Army
Armored Cavalry Regiment,
Fort Carson, Colorado.

Sgt. Stephen P. Saxton of Temecula, Calif., was looking forward to taking a leave in less than a month to visit his newest child who was born three weeks earlier. He was a athletic student in high school who was equally drawn to the math team and the football team. He opted for the military in part to earn money for college thinking it would be the best decision for his family. He had a gift for lifting the spirits of those around him always looking for the bright side of a situation and anything he decided to do, he always gave it his best. Saxton is survived by his wife, and three children, and his mother. He was the 51st soldier from Fort Carson to die in Iraq since the war started in March 2003. He was 24.

Army
Armored Cavalry Regiment,
Fort Carson, Colorado.