Seven canon shots marked the burial in San Pedro de Macoris of Sergio Mercedes Sosa, 22, who died serving the United States Army in Iraq on 5 February 2006. His widow, Joselin Giron, who is pregnant, could not hide her grief at the loss of her husband. Mercedes Sosa had joined the US Army in 2002, and had received bronze medals for his conduct, for service in national defense, for services in Iraq, for service in the global war against terrorism, and ribbons for service in the Army, for service overseas, and other awards. Iraq veterans and friends Ronald Nico and Joe Garcia Hoffman performed a guard of honor. US General Ken Keen delivered the medals and the US flag to Sergio’s parents. Ambassador Hans Hertell expressed his regret at the death of the soldier.