Sometimes we can get so caught up in politics, pop culture, etc that we forget that young soldiers are putting their life on the line every single day.

I don't know this kid, I just know he was 1 of 7 soldiers killed this week in Iraq. It struck me for two reasons, one being his age (21) and two that he is from right here in Georgia. (Lagrange) I couldn't imagine losing a son or a brother so young, I think it brings a lot into perspective.

Soldier from LaGrange, Ga., killed in Iraq

The Associated Press

LAGRANGE, Ga. — Family members say an Army sergeant from LaGrange has been killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, a week after his first wedding anniversary.

Relatives told the LaGrange Daily News that 21-year-old Sergeant Corey Spates, 21, died Feb. 10 in the Diyala province.

His wife and parents were notified by the Army that evening.

The family said they were told there were multiple casualties in the blast, but that the Army would not release details until the next of kin of all victims had been notified.

Spates, who attended Troup High School, had left for his second deployment in November. He and his wife celebrated their first anniversary last week.