Remembering Army Spc. Michael Andrade, Casualty of the Iraq War

March 19, 2013, marked the 10th anniversary of the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Among the nearly 4,500 American casualties was Army Spc. Michael Andrade of Warren, who was also a volunteer firefighter with the Bristol Fire Department.

Andrade died on Sept. 24, 2003, from injuries he suffered after a 5-ton fuel truck hit his Humvee in Balad, Iraq.

The Associated Press reported at the time that Andrade, one of 11 Rhode Island service members lost in the conflict, was known for his love of music and singing.

A member of the 115th Military Police Company, U.S. Army National Guard, Andrade was 28.