Corporal Stanley Lapinski, 35, of Las Vegas was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, GA. He died June 11, 2005, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle in Baghdad. He was only four months into his first tour of duty.

CPL Lapinski graduated from the University of South Florida in 1992 with a degree in Psychology. He joined the Army at the age of 34 shortly after the 9/11 attack, saying he was seriously affected by the unprovoked acts of terrorism against the United States and said he couldn’t sit back and watch it play out. He wanted to be involved and make a difference. He declined offers from the Army to attend Officer’s Candidate School because he wanted to be in the thick of things and was afraid if he entered as an officer, he would be stuck behind a desk.

Friends said that CPL Lapinski enjoyed listening to just about every type of music. He also read ravenously, especially historical nonfiction. He could talk about ancient war heroes, literature or politics with the authority of a college professor.

CPL Lapinski is survived by his parents, Stanley and Gaye Lapinski.