KOMO News -- FORT LEWIS, Wash. — Three Stryker soldiers killed Thursday in Afghanistan were based at Fort Lewis, and one of them is a local man from Bellevue, Pentagon officials confirmed Saturday as Spc. Joseph V. White, 21, of Bellevue.

The three died of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device in Omar Zai, Afghanistan.

They were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Fort Lewis. The brigade deployed to Afghanistan in July. Since then, they have lost 14 soldiers in combat.

Family members said Spc. Joseph V. White of Bellevue got married a month and a half before heading to Afghanistan with the Stryker brigade.

It was his first overseas deployment.

His mother, Robyn, said: "He was an awesome son and brother and always spent special time with the family and friends when he was on leave."

He was the second-oldest of 10 siblings. His family calls him a "hero" who was very strong in his faith.

According to unit records, White enlisted in the Army on Sept. 19, 2006, in Seattle.

He reported to Fort Benning, Ga., on Oct. 25, 2006, for initial entry training, then to Fort Bragg, N.C., on Aug. 22, 2007, where he served as an assistant gunner with the 82nd Airborne Brigade.

White reported to Fort Lewis on March 10, 2009, and was assigned to 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. This was his first deployment.

White, a high school graduate, completed the mortarman qualification course and airborne school in 2007.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Parachutist Badge.

Sgt. Edward B. Smith enlisted in the Army on June 10, 2002, and reported to Fort Lewis on June 10, 2007, when he was assigned to 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

Sgt. Titus R. Reynolds enlisted Nov. 22, 2005, at Columbus, Ohio, and reported to Fort Lewis on Jan. 9, 2007, and was assigned to 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. This was his first deployment.