A decorated Army paratrooper, who was an avid outdoorsman and a talented athlete growing up in the California Gold Country town Sonora, was killed Monday while on duty in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Robert T. Rapp, 22, was an infantryman leader assigned to a combat unit in Sabari, Afghanistan. A statement released today by the Army said that Rapp died of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near the Sabari District Center.

It was Rapp's second deployment in the Middle East after joining the Army upon his 2004 high school graduation.

Jennifer Rapp, Rapp's mother, said her son was a patriot and a committed soldier. She also said that his view of his role in the military had evolved since his first tour of duty.

"He went to Iraq as a very young man (in 2005) ... he lost his roommate and best friend," said Jennifer Rapp. "He went to Afghanistan as a sergeant and he said his biggest responsibility was to bring his men home alive."

Jennifer Rapp said that her son always had an interest in the military. She said he played with G.I. Joe toys when he was a very young boy. He also showed an early interest and talent in sports, joining an area ski team at age 6 and becoming an accomplished wrestler, golfer, cross-country runner and dove hunter.

After basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. in 2004, he served in Iraq near the border of Syria, Jennifer Rapp said.

In recognition of his service in Iraq and Afghanistan, Rapp was awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal and several other honors.

"Bobby had a heart of gold and was one of the most generous and kind people that you could ever know," Jennifer Rapp said. "He said there was no greater honor than to serve his country."

Jennifer Rapp said that Robert had one year left of his commitment to the military and that he was originally scheduled to come home in January, but that his unit's tour was extended to mid-April.

"He wanted to serve our country and protect our country," Jennifer Rapp said. "He loved this country."