Newark man Killed in Iraq

Dec 20, 2006 12:12:54

A 19-year-old Army private from Newark was killed when an improvised explosive device blew up near his Humvee in Taji, Iraq, the Defense Department said today. Private First Class Joe L. Baines, who attended the Louise A. Spencer School in Newark before completing high school in a program in Ephrata, Pa., was killed Saturday. "Our family is saddened and our hearts are very heavy," his mother, Yolanda Torres, said in a statement released by the Army. "Joe was a wonderful son and a dedicated soldier who wanted to make the world a better place. Our entire family is proud of him and his service to our nation. We will always remember Joe as a loving son and a hero; and he will forever be missed by his family and by his many friends." Baines, who grew up on Milford Avenue in Newark, graduated from the Summit Quest Academy in 2005 and enlisted in the Army in September of that year. He completed basic and advanced training at Fort Benning, Ga., and was assigned as an infantryman to the 2nd Squadron, 5th Calvary Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. Baines had been in Iraq with the 1st Squadron, 7th Calvary Regiment since the end of October. He enjoyed basketball and music, the statement from his family said. Surviving, in addition to his mother, are a sister, Carol Baines; two brothers, Adam and James Baines; a step-brother, Stephone Durant; and two step-sisters, Stephanie and Lisa Durant. Baines had been awarded the Army Services Ribbon the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon. He is the 65th service member from New Jersey or with ties to the state to be killed in Iraq