The university flag flew at half staff Monday to honor the university’s second alumnus to die in the war in Iraq.
Captain Robert Vallejo II died in a helicopter crash near Talil, Iraq, on Thursday, according to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Defense.
“My general reaction is deep sadness, and my heart goes out to his family,” Chancellor Victor Boschini said. “I know he’s a young married guy, and I just can’t imagine how they feel right now.”
Vallejo, 28, graduated from TCU in May of 2005 with a bachelor’s of science degree in speech and communication. He was involved with Army ROTC while at TCU and took many classes in military science, according to the Office of the Registrar.
Vallejo was posthumously awarded the rank of Captain, according to the Office of the Chancellor.
Boschini said Vallejo’s name will be added to the plaques in Veterans Plaza.
Vallejo’s family was unable to be reached for comment.