Sgt. Juan Navarro Pantoja

SGT. Juan P Navarro, 23, of Austin, died in Afghanistan on July 7 when he was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device. Navarro was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.

According to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Navarro entered the Army in June 2008. His basic training was at Fort Benning in Georgia before he was assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. His training was that of infantryman and warrior leader. His awards included a number of commendation and achievement medals.SGT Navarro was on his second tour of duty in the war zone. His first tour was in Iraq in 2009.

SGT Navarro is survived by his parents, Victor Navarro and Cristina Pantoja, 8 sisters, Maria Cristina Carranco-Pantoja, Maria Consuelo Carranco-Pontoja, Maria de la luz, Mayra Carranco-Pantoja, Carmen Navarro, Beatriz Carranco-Pantoja, Julieta Carranco-Pantoja, Dulce Carranco-Pantoja and 2 brothers Victor Navarro-Pantoja, and Miguel Pantoja, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family on Tuesday, the 17th of July, 2012, from 5 o’clock until 8 o’clock in the evening at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, the 18th of July, 2012, at 10 o’clock in the morning at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd. Austin, Texas. Interment will follow with full Military Honors at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.

"On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of SGT. Navarro," according to a statement from the base. (kxan.com)

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com