Military Matters: Honoring the life of fallen Yuma trooper

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - In Monday's Military Matters, we honor the life and legacy of a Yuma Veteran who passed away while serving our country.

"Yeah, I believe he's one of the first natives to die in Iraq. He went to high school here, grew up here," said local classmate Megan Elie.

Yuma native Joseph L. Knott served in the Army and was killed in Iraq in 2005. Cassandra Black served with Joseph in Iraq. She says he was a true hero who everyone looked up to.

"His death hurt a lot of people," said Cassandra Black. "His death made it to the point where war was real. You know we were all young like 18, 19, 20 and like when he passed away, he was the first one to pass away out of our unit."

She says Joseph was one of the most selfless people that everyone knew and loved.

Elie said the same, and said she enjoyed her time in high school band with him.

"He was just always there. I never imagined having to live life without somebody like that," said Elie.

Elie says it's a good reminder to keep all of our Veterans names alive and never forget their sacrifices.

"You know, it's just important that I continue talking about him and never let his life be meaningless. He quite literally wrote a check to America with his life, and they cashed it, and I'm not ever gonna forget him because of that," said Elie.