DECATUR, Ind. -- The military confirmed Thursday that a 26-year-old soldier from northeastern Indiana has been killed in Iraq.

Army Sgt. Phillip Chad Jenkins, of Decatur, died Tuesday when he and another soldier were hit by small arms fire. The other soldier also died.

"He's a great American fallen hero. He has died for his country, died for his principles to keep this country free," said Fritz Bultemeyer, who served with Jenkins. "That's what we always need to remember him for."

Gary Hauter told WPTA-TV in Fort Wayne that his nephew's death was a shock but that Jenkins was doing what he wanted to do.

Family friend Pam Lengerich told The Journal Gazette of Fort Wayne that Jenkins was a 2002 graduate of Bellmont High School.

Lengerich said his wife and two children were living in Hawaii, where he had most recently been stationed.