SOUTH OGDEN -- Jovial and always looking to lighten the mood is how Andrey Arruda remembers his older brother, U.S. Army Cpl. Raphael Arruda, who died Saturday in Afghanistan.
"He was a happy person," Andrey said. "He liked having a good time. He really hates sad moments. He kind of made anywhere he was fun to be at. He always had a good mood, good jokes."
A pair of flags flanks the path to the family's home in South Ogden, a reminder that Raphael will no longer be able to tell those jokes.
According to the Record of Casualty Notification Actions, Raphael Arruda, 21, was killed in action in the Bar Kunar District, Afghanistan, on July 16 when the vehicle he rode in as truck commander hit an improvised explosive device.
He served as a reservist with the 744th Engineering Company, 2nd Platoon, of Ogden, which is currently deployed to Afghanistan.
The Army did not comment on Raphael's death, and a spokesman said the earliest a statement would come is Thursday.
Born in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, Raphael and his family came to the United States in 2001 and eventually settled in Utah. A few days after graduating from Bonneville High School in 2008, Raphael shipped off to basic training.
Andrey, 19, said his brother made his own decision to join the U.S. Army Reserve easier, lending support and guiding him through the recruitment process. Andrey is currently serving as a combat medic.
"He was a good example," Andrey said. "He always tried to do the right thing. He was a good friend."
Raphael went to Afghanistan in last fall, returning to Utah in February for two weeks' leave.
Although not born in this country, Andrey said both brothers feel a sense of duty to their adopted homeland.
"Somebody has take care of it," Andrey said.
The brothers also talked about the dangers of being in action.
" 'At least if I die, I'm going to be happy, because I like doing this job -- it is something I'll never regret,' " Andrey said he heard his brother say.
Just like his brother, Andrey also realizes the dangers of serving in the military.
"It won't really change my mind-set," Andrey said. "There is always the possibility, and you know that when you sign up."
Andrey waits for his father to return from Brazil after the death of Andrey's grandmother. Their oldest brother is in Brazil. The family is working to get him a ticket to be able to attend the funeral as well.
The family is also waiting for Raphael's body to arrive before funeral arrangements can be made.
In the meantime, Andrey has a Facebook page in memory of his brother. There, family and friends can share their memories and condolences for the fallen soldier who wanted those around him to have a good time.
"If it wasn't fun," Andrey said, "he'd try to make it fun or as fun as possible."
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