EVERETT – A candlelight vigil is planned tonight to honor an Everett soldier who recently died in Iraq.
Army Pvt. Michael Baloga, 21, died in Muqdadiyah of wounds suffered from an improvised explosive device, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
He had been in a convoy carrying medical supplies, said his sister Leah Valade who lives in Marysville.
His family set the vigil for 7 p.m. at Legion Memorial Park in Everett. The park is at 145 Alverson Blvd.
A trust fund to benefit Baloga’s 1-year-old daughter, Isis Baloga, is being planned in her name at the Boeing Employees Credit Union in Everett, Valade said.
“He would do anything for anyone, especially for his little girl, Isis,” sister Linnea Baloga said. “Michael was the most positive person I ever knew or could know. He always looked at the glass half-full – never empty.”
Michael Baloga, a Sequoia High School graduate, joined the military to give his daughter a better life, his family said. He’d planned on continuing his education and starting a career.
He was assigned to the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, from Fort Hood.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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