FORT LEWIS -
A Fort Lewis soldier has died in Iraq -- during her third deployment to the region.
The Department of Defense announced today Staff Sgt. Amy C. Tirador, 29 died in a non-combat related incident. Tirador lived in Washington state, but was originally from Albany, New York.
She died on Wednesday in Kirkush, Iraq.
Tirador met her husband, Mickey, in the military.
The two were married two years ago and lived in Washington State. Mickey is also serving in Iraq and will accompany his wife's remains back to the United States.
"The phone's been ringing off the hook; that's how many people loved Amy," said Tirador's step-mother.
Tirador had seen action and saved at least one American life during her first tour of duty when she served as a medic. In 2004, she was credited with saving an American soldier who had been shot down during a convoy mission, the Times Union newspaper reported.
Tirador was a member of the National Honor Society and a Regents graduate at Colonie Central High School in San Diego, finishing her four years of study with a 90 average and ranking 59th in a class of 384 students. She studied Spanish through Level 6, took college-level economics through Hudson Valley Community College, was a member of the school Key Club and a four-year member of the school band. She played trumpet in the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra.
Tirador was assigned to the 209th Military Intelligence Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis.
The brigade deployed to Iraq in August.
Tirador enlisted March 16, 1999, and reported to Fort Sam Houston, Texas in 2001for training as a medical care specialist.
After training, she was stationed at in Schweinfurt, Germany. She then deployed to Turkey from February 2003 through April 2003.
The second deployment was to Iraq from February 2004 through February 2005.
After completing her second deployment, she reported to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, for training in the Military Occupational Specialty 35M (Military Intelligence Collector).
On Nov. 18, 2005 she reported to the Defense Language Institute at Presidio, for the Arabic Language Course.
She reported Fort Lewis on January 10, 2008, and was assigned to 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
Her awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (three awards), Army Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (two awards), Combat Medical Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver - Tracked Vehicles
A statement from the I Corps and Fort Lewis Public Affairs Office reads: "On behalf of the entire Fort Lewis military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Tirador."
The Department of Defense announced today Staff Sgt. Amy C. Tirador, 29 died in a non-combat related incident. Tirador lived in Washington state, but was originally from Albany, New York.
She died on Wednesday in Kirkush, Iraq.
Tirador met her husband, Mickey, in the military.
The two were married two years ago and lived in Washington State. Mickey is also serving in Iraq and will accompany his wife's remains back to the United States.
"The phone's been ringing off the hook; that's how many people loved Amy," said Tirador's step-mother.
Tirador had seen action and saved at least one American life during her first tour of duty when she served as a medic. In 2004, she was credited with saving an American soldier who had been shot down during a convoy mission, the Times Union newspaper reported.
Tirador was a member of the National Honor Society and a Regents graduate at Colonie Central High School in San Diego, finishing her four years of study with a 90 average and ranking 59th in a class of 384 students. She studied Spanish through Level 6, took college-level economics through Hudson Valley Community College, was a member of the school Key Club and a four-year member of the school band. She played trumpet in the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Orchestra.
Tirador was assigned to the 209th Military Intelligence Company, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Lewis.
The brigade deployed to Iraq in August.
Tirador enlisted March 16, 1999, and reported to Fort Sam Houston, Texas in 2001for training as a medical care specialist.
After training, she was stationed at in Schweinfurt, Germany. She then deployed to Turkey from February 2003 through April 2003.
The second deployment was to Iraq from February 2004 through February 2005.
After completing her second deployment, she reported to Fort Huachuca, Arizona, for training in the Military Occupational Specialty 35M (Military Intelligence Collector).
On Nov. 18, 2005 she reported to the Defense Language Institute at Presidio, for the Arabic Language Course.
She reported Fort Lewis on January 10, 2008, and was assigned to 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
Her awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (three awards), Army Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (two awards), Combat Medical Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver - Tracked Vehicles
A statement from the I Corps and Fort Lewis Public Affairs Office reads: "On behalf of the entire Fort Lewis military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Tirador."
