Dominique Reynolds, the wife of Sgt. Titus R. Reynolds, who was killed Sept. 24 when his vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, released this statement to the media:

“Sgt. Titus Reynolds, 23, laid down his life for his country on Wednesday, September 24, 2009 in Afghanistan.

“He was more than a soldier; he was a soul mate, a son, a brother, a friend and a true American hero.

“Titus was raised in Columbus, Ohio and met his wife Dominique, ‘Nikki,’ when they were 13. They drifted in and out of contact throughout their teenage years but fell in love at the age of 20. He was a devoted husband who lived for the quiet moments he could spend with her.

“He was a beloved son and caring friend. His sense of humor lifted the spirits of his friends and brothers-in-arms who worked and fought with him. His strength of character supported those he loved and his belief in God and country is the legacy he leaves to those around him.

“He had an easy smile and a boyish charm and he fully believed in what he was fighting for in Afghanistan. Though he is not with us anymore, he lives on in the heart of his wife and those who love him.

“He is with God and may he finally know peace.”