First SF Soldier Killed In Iraq

Sunday, July 02, 2006

By Erik Rosales

July 2 - KGO (KGO) -- There is sad word this weekend that the first soldier from San Francisco has died in Iraq. Army Specialist Christopher Rose was killed by a roadside bomb on Thursday, and now his family wants to know why he was on patrol despite an injury to his arm.

Just two weeks ago, Margarita Rose -- the mother of Army Specialist Christopher Rose -- spoke by phone with her son. The 21-year-old told her not to worry, but he was hospitalized with shrapnel in his arm from a roadside bomb.

Never did Margarita think it would be the last time she would talk with him.

Margarita Rose, mother: "I said goodbye, please take care of yourself, be safe. He said, 'I love you, mom. And tell Dad, I love you.'"

Rose, a Vallejo native, grew up in San Francisco. He enlisted in the Army directly out of high school in June 2004. After spending time in Texas for training, he was sent to Iraq in December for his tour of duty.

After serving his country, he had dreams of going to college and majoring in criminal justice.

Margarita Rose, mother: "That's all he ever said. He wanted to take care of us. He said, 'I'm going to be a good policeman.' That's what he was going to do."

Even during his younger years, family members tell me, he was a character who always wanting to make people laugh.

But he always made sure family was number one in his life.

Rudy Rose, father: "At 16 or 17 years old, he'd still go with his parents to the movies. He didn't care."

The 21-year-old's family is still left with many unanswered questions. They want to know why he was on patrol just weeks after a roadside bomb injured his arm.

As a gunner, Rose's aunt says there's no way he would be able to do his job.

Isabel Ruiz, aunt: "The job he had required two hands. Whether he volunteered or not, he can't carry a gun. If the enemy does come, what's he going to do? How is he going to fight?"

Rose's family says the Army is investigating why he was on patrol despite his injury. Christopher Rose is survived by his father, mother, and two sisters.

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