Fort Bliss Honors Fallen Soldier

Staff Sgt. Roberto Loeza was killed earlier this year in Afghanistan.  Yesterday, at Fort Bliss, an $8.2 million Soldier Activity Center was named after him.

28 year old Staff Sgt. Loeza was an infantry soldier assigned to the 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, when his unit was attacked in May.  On Wednesday, 300 family, friends, and fellow soldiers, gathered to dedicate the Soldier Activity Center that will now bear his name.

Roberto's brother, Esteban, who works as a civilian employee on Fort Bliss, called Roberto "my number one hero".

Lt. Col. Bill Kinsey, Roberto's battalion commander, said Roberto was "an all-around, outstanding soldier", and that naming the Center after him was a "small recognition of his service, aptitude, and leadership as a non-commissioned officer".

Roberto's mother, Benita, and his sister, Lluvia, listened as soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team sang their brigade song.

Roberto's wife, Teresa, and their children, Kaelin and Mason listen during the dedication ceremony.

Take a moment to go through the El Paso Times picture gallery from the dedication ceremony.  Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of Staff Sgt. Roberto Loeza.  Words cannot express our gratitude for his service, and our sorrow for his loss.