Brave hearts

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Spc. Bobby Pagan couldn't wait to get home from Afghanistan in two weeks. Not only did he miss his family of eight in Austin, Texas, he wanted to spend more time with his fiancee, Diana Soriano, who was serving in Iraq.

Spc. Pagan was killed in a February 13 terrorist attack in Zhari province, Afghanistan. He died alongside two fellow distinguished servicemembers, Sgt. Jeremiah Wittman and Staff Sgt. John Reiners. News 8 Austin reports that Pagan was planning to propose to Soriano in person when they saw each other.

"He actually proposed to me through a letter and then later on after I told him 'Yes' over the phone, he said he wanted to do it in person," Soriano said.

It was not to be, however. Soriano said he was killed by a suicide bomber on a motorbike, while on foot patrol in southern Afghanistan.

Soriano had to make the journey to meet his family for the first time, alone.

"He was supposed to be traveling with me, so I just, I was just alone for too long. When I finally seen them, I mean they are the only thing that I have that's a part of him," Soriano said.

According to the News 8 article, Pagan's brother is serving in the Army as well. Like his fiancee, he will be able to attend Bobby's funeral. While Soriano has already said she will dedicate the remainder of her service in Iraq to her fallen love, his brother will undoubtedly carry on with bravery as well.

While the city of Austin is understandably in shock after a plane attack on the IRS building by a crazed pilot earlier this week, let's hope the city's residents also take notice of the incredible sacrifice of Bobby Pagan, his brother, and his fiancee. Cities across America are filled with these extraordinary people, and we shouldn't take it for granted.