PASADENA, CA, USA U.S. Army SPC, COMPANY E, 215TH BRIGADE SUPPORT BATTALION, 3 BCT, FORT HOOD, TX BALAD, IRAQ 03/14/2007
Army Specialist Adam J. Rosema died doing what he felt was “a lot of good” in Iraq, his father said.
Rosema, 27, of Pasadena, died March 14 from wounds sustained after a roadside bomb went off near his vehicle south of Baqubah. He was assigned to the 215th Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.
“I’m very proud of him,” his father, John Rosema, said March 19. “It’s kind of shocking right now, but I know he died doing what he wanted and doing his best.”
Rosema was “modest and private,” his father said.
He joined the Army in April 2005 as a mechanic specializing in Bradley fighting vehicles and was sent to Iraq in October. Rosema, who just bought a recreational vehicle, said he planned to “keep on living.”
“Adam would have said: ‘Don’t wait for me, I’ll catch up,’ ” he said.
We lost Our Hero, Our Friend, Our Brother, Our Son.
Adam grew up primarily in the Pasadena area. He later moved to Arcadia for middle and high school, where he was an active member of the Marching Band. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1998.
His favorite past-time was NASCAR. Adam loved going to the races whenever he could, and had a collection of many NASCAR related items. He loved music, playing his drums and guitar. Adam had a kind heart and would help anyone he could, whether it was big or small. He loved to fish and play golf with his “Grandpa Jay.” He also loved to go on motorcycle rides and camping with his dad.
Adam joined the Army in April 2005. He underwent his Basic and Specialty training at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. From there he reported to Ft. Hood, Texas, where he was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division as a Bradley Systems Mechanic. In October 2006, he was deployed to Iraq.
Adam is survived by his Father, John Rosema Jr., his Mother Laura and Step-Father Richard Stephens, Step-Sister Sheila Rosema, Step-Sister Kimberly and Step-Brother Kenneth Stephens. He is also survived by his Grandmother Hendrika Rosema, Step-Grandmother Joyce Stephens and many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
He was a strong, brave and caring man who will be missed more than words can ever say. He will forever be in our hearts. We love you Adam!