SALEM – Flags were lowered to half-staff across town yesterday as members of the community began paying their respects to the family of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo.

Lo, 23, was killed in Iraq Saturday morning after a roadside bomb he was trying to defuse detonated. He is remembered by those in the community who knew him as a hard-working, intelligent and driven young man.

His older brother, Raymond, said Lo was a dedicated student and committed to serving his nation.

LO

"Nothing could stop him," Raymond said. "He never missed a day at school or a day at work. He was just something else. That's what makes it so much harder."

According to Raymond, his brother had some good experiences in his years as a member of the high school's Air Force Junior ROTC program. Despite his excellent academic record, Lo chose to enter the military after graduation rather than head off to college.

"My mom tried to convince him to go to school, but this is just what he wanted to do," Raymond said. "If he could help, he'd make himself available."

School Superintendent Michael Delahanty was Lo's principal for five years, following him from his days at Woodbury Middle School until his graduation from Salem High School in 2004. Delahanty said he had the opportunity through those years to watch Lo grow into a "fine young man."

"He was one of those kids who was so bright and articulate," Delahanty said. "With so many graduates, he certainly stood out."

According to Delahanty, district administrators and educators are planning to sit down in the coming days and discuss how to properly remember Lo, the third service member from the community killed in Iraq in the past three years.

On May 1, 2006, Marine Lance Cpl. Robert Moscillo, 21, died in Al Anbar province, Iraq, when a landmine exploded underneath his Humvee. On Oct. 6 of that same year, Cpl. Nicholas Arvanitis, 22, of the Army's 82 Airborne Division, was shot and killed while on patrol in Iraq. Plaques commemorating both men's service to the nation have been placed around the community.

The family of Staff Sgt. Edmond L. Lo say the community's support has helped them deal with their loss. (DERRICK PERKINS)

Salem residents and town officials yesterday reached out to the Lo family, offering whatever help they could in the days ahead.

"Whatever assistance we can provide we offer," said Capt. Shawn Patten of the Salem Police Department. "It hits home when a hometown boy or girl is killed. It's a tragedy and we have the utmost respect for him ... We have to make sure we never forget."

"All of our hearts will be heavy as we remember Sergeant Lo," Assistant Fire Chief Paul Parisi said. "We'll be thinking about his family and his sacrifice."

State leaders also extended their sympathies to the Lo family. Gov. John Lynch said the family remained in his thoughts and prayers as well as those of his wife, Susan.

"Sgt. Lo served his nation with dignity, courage and honor and sacrificed protecting all of us. He is a hero to us all," Lynch said. "On behalf of the citizens of New Hampshire, our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Lo family."

Sen. Judd Gregg praised Lo as a gifted student and an extraordinary young man.

"He chose to delay his plans to begin college in order to serve his country, which he did with honor, dignity and courage, saving countless lives by working to disarm roadside bombs in Iraq," the Republican said.

Democratic Congressman Paul Hodes said his thoughts remained on Lo's family, friends and those in the community who knew him.

"I join all of New Hampshire in honoring the brave service Sgt. Lo gave to his country," Hodes said in a statement.

Raymond Lo said the outpouring of support from members of the community and telephone calls from state leaders had made the tragedy easier for family members as they make arrangements for the funeral.

"Everyone has been really helpful in offering support and lending a hand out to my parents," he said.

►List of NH soldiers killed during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars