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Florida Soldier Dies In Combat

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 29, 2007

ST. AUGUSTINE - A soldier from North Florida died during combat on his second tour in Iraq, officials said Friday.

Sgt. Bryan Joseph Tutten, 33, of St. Augustine, died Christmas Day in Balad, Iraq, after an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during combat operations, according to the Department of Defense.

He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Tutten was a rifleman and squad leader of an infantry company, his father-in-law, Gary Peterson, said.

"He went out to clear out the insurgents," he said. "It was a very dangerous job, but he was very good at it."

Tutten enlisted in the Army six years ago. His second tour in Iraq began in November 2006, and he was due home within two months, relatives said.

He returned to Fort Bragg in May for two weeks when his son was born.

He also is survived by his wife and a daughter, who was born during his first tour of Iraq.

The Associated Press

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