Memorial Service Held At Fort Carson Friday

Fort Carson held a memorial service Friday for a soldier who died last month while serving in Afghanistan.

Spc. Tofiga J. Tautolo, 23, was killed May 27 when his vehicle hit an improvised bomb. Tautolo, who would have celebrated his 24th birthday in August, was born in American Samoa but grew up in Wilmington, Calif.

“He was well-respected by his peers, subordinates and leaders alike,” said Capt. Bryan Gray, Tautolo’s commanding officer. “He was the best of us.”

Tautolo originally joined the Marine Corps in 2006 but enlisted in the Army in 2010. He served as a scout, driver and gunner and belonged to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He deployed twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Tautolo leaves his wife, Rita, and son, Toaotaua.