Just by a knock on the door, Zamora's mother Ana Maria knew her son had been killed.

All she has now is pictures, fond memories, and thoughts of what could've been.

"He was very happy because he was going to get married, and he was so happy, my son left us at a time that he was very happy," Zamora said.

Jose was killed in Baghdad along with two other soldiers when a roadside bomb went off during combat operations.

The family says the fact that he loved his job gives them peace.

"A mother is never going to like the fact that her child is entering the military, I would think, but as a mother you have to respect their decisions," Zamora said.

Another love he had was music.

Zamora's former music teacher Frank Rivera also remembers his love for the guitar and clarinet.

He considered Zamora a kind and caring student.

"He was very likeable, very respectful, and always willing to help out other students," Rivera said.

He adds that Zamora held a bright future.

"Especially when they're so young they don't expect it, accidents you know, car accidents you know things like that, when they die within the military for some reason that hits harder."

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

His death comes a month before he was to return to the United States.

His family said Zamora planned to return in September.

He also planned to re-enlist in the Army when he returned.