PHOENIX — A 21-year-old soldier from Holbrook has died in Iraq from a "noncombat-related cause," according to the U.S. Defense Department.
Spc. Damien Michael Patrick Montoya died Sunday, but it was not officially announced until Thursday.
Montoya was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.
He had been in Baghdad since December. Family members described him as a dedicated son, brother and infantryman who liked to say that the military was in his blood.
His grandfathers served in World War II and Korea, and his father was in the Navy.
Victoria Turley said her son began visiting military recruitment offices at the age of 10.
Montoya's dream of serving in the military was realized in 2004 when he left for boot camp four days after graduating from Holbrook High School.
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Turley last saw her son during a two-week leave in May.
She said the family has not been officially notified as to the cause of his death.
Funeral services for Montoya will be held early next week.
