1st Lt. Brian N. Bradshaw, 24, of Steilacoom, Wash., died June 25 in Kheyl, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

Brian Bradshaw grew up in a military family in Steilacoom, Washington - his father, Paul Bradshaw, is a retired National Guard helicopter pilot, and his mother, Mary Bradshaw, a retired army nurse. During high school Brian Bradshaw was member of Pierce County Search and Rescue and a summer camp counselor. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed bicycling, backcountry skiing, and mountain climbing.

Bradshaw joined the ROTC program at Pacific Lutheran University and graduated in 2007. His father said that Brian had joined the military and "to try and help people": "That was his hope. He didn’t go to win a war." Brian Bradshaw arrived in Afghanistan in March 2009. Whenever his son spoke about the dangers of his deployment, "he was worried about the people he was responsible for, not himself," his father said.

His father also noted, "He would be tired when he called us. But ... he was always upbeat. He was very happy when we sent packages. What he asked for was things to give away to local children there. When they were out on patrol they would take crayons, colored pencils and books and toys to give to the children."

Last Thursday Bradshaw and the other soldiers with him escaped without injury when an improvised bomb exploded near their vehicle, but a passing civilian truck detonated a second roadside bomb, killing Bradshaw.

"We are proud beyond belief," said Bradshaw's father. "...You know what can happen. You hope it doesn’t. You pray a lot."

Brian BradshawLieutenant Governor Sean Parnell offered his condolences to Bradshaw's family, friends, and fellow soldiers: "We mourn the loss of Lieutenant Bradshaw. We can only respond with gratitude and honor him for serving us and our country. May his family and friends find God’s comfort and strength in this difficult time."

Bradshaw's parents flew to Dover Air Force Base for the arrival of their son's body. A memorial service for Brian Bradshaw is planned and will probably be held after July 4.

May he rest in peace.