Aug 23, 2005

SWEETWATER, Tenn. -- A Tennessee National Guard soldier from Sweetwater was killed Monday in Iraq, his family said Tuesday.

Spc. Joseph "Joey" Hunt, 27, was a member of the 278th Regimental Combat Team. Hunt talked to his family last on Saturday, and they were informed by military officials he was killed when his patrol was hit by an improvised explosive device, relatives told two Knoxville TV stations.

The family issued a statement saying they did not know many details of the incident and asked to be allowed to grieve in private.

"Joey was a true East Tennessean who was proud of his family, hometown, state, and country. He enjoyed being involved in the many outdoors activities available in Sweetwater, and he always did so with a beaming smile on his face," the family said.

Hunt visited with his family while on leave in June.

"During that time he shared many stories and photos during his service there. He summed up his feeling during his break that it wasn't easy being there, but that he and his fellow soldiers were proud of their service to their country," his relatives said.

Hunt had two sons -- 5-year-old Caleb and 3-year-old Josh.

"They don't have any idea what's going on," Hunt's aunt, Pat Thomas, told a Knoxville TV station. "They went to be with their grandmother, Joey's mom, and she was just holding both of them in her arms. And they kept saying, 'Why are you crying, Mamaw? Why are you sad?'"

Three other members of the Knoxville-based 278th were killed last week, bringing to eight the number in the unit who have died while serving in Iraq. About 4,000 members of the 278th deployed last November.

Story Copyright to WSMV Nashville Channel 4