1st Lt. Omar J. Vazquez

The Department of Defense announced the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation New Dawn.

First Lt. Omar J. Vazquez, 25, whose home of record is Hamilton, N.J., died April 22 2011 in Numaniyah, Iraq, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Vazquez received his commission in February 2009 as a field artillery officer and was assigned to Troop F, 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Hood, since April 2010.

Vazquez deployed in support of Operation New Dawn in September 2010.

Vazquez’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbons and Combat Action Badge.