FORT LEWIS, Wash. -- The Department of Defense has identified another Fort Lewis soldier killed in Iraq.

Sgt. 1st Class Daniel E. Scheibner recently celebrated his 20th anniversary with the Army. The Michigan native was raised by a single mother and began his military career at the age of 19.

Sgt. First Class Dan Scheibner dedicated half of his life to the Army and his country. He was part of this Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Lewis that deployed to Iraq in April.

Forty-year old Scheibner was eligible for retirement at the time but felt a sense of devotion to his Army brothers. His sister-in-law, Jill Aker-Ray told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, "he was focused on his job -- it was his intent to really take care of his men, to really take care of his men."

On Thursday, Scheibner was killed when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Al Noor, Iraq.

His sister-in-law describes him as a loyal and focused leader who took great pride in what he and his men were doing in Iraq. Aker-Ray said, "they are all devastated beyond belief and most of them would consider him more of a brother as well as being an extremely respected leader."

Scheibner considered his wife Ann his soul mate and best friend. He was raising his son Tyler with the integrity and character of a soldier.

Aker-Ray says "Tyler is trying to be what his dad taught him which is to be strong and…to reassure his mom that they are still a family but I think that he is devastated."

Though devastated, his family is taking comfort in the legacy Dan Scheibner leaves behind.

"Above all, he sacrificed for his country," said Scheibner’s sister-in-law