Just cause

Image courtesy: U.S. Army

Pfc. Adriana Alvarez didn't have to serve her country. In fact, her family tried to talk her out of it, and encouraged her to stay in San Benito, Texas, to pursue a career in criminal justice at home. Yet Pfc. Alvarez felt the best place to seek justice was overseas, while proudly wearing an Army uniform.

Today, KRGV-TV reports flags in San Benito are lowered to half-staff. According to the Pentagon, Alvarez was killed Wednesday in Baghdad, Iraq, while supporting combat operations. The exact circumstances of the military police officer's death are not clear.

KRGV-TV's article describes the emotions the Alvarez family is now going through.

"We were counting the days [until a visit home this summer] and it just happened.... It's very devastating, shocking," says the sister of 20-year-old Private First Class Adriana Alvarez.

A casualty assistance officer knocked on the family's door Wednesday evening to deliver the news.

"Every time I have to give a notification... it's very difficult. Each one of them is very difficult," says Master Sgt. John Garcia.

The city's Mayor Pro-Tem said San Benito will offer to escort the fallen soldier to her memorial service and burial when she returns home. Pfc. Adriana Alvarez was 20 years old.