ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- A 21-year-old graduate of Robert E. Lee High School was one of three soldiers killed Tuesday when an improvised explosive device went off in Iraq.

Spc. Donald E. Valentine III, along with Spc. Joseph N. Landry III, 23, of Pensacola, Fla., and Spc. Nicholas P. Olson, 22, of Novato, Calif., were killed in Muqdadiyah -- a city about 50 miles northeast of Baghdad.

"I spent most of the year trying to prepare for this moment," said Valentine's father. "I hope that he went quick -- didn't suffer a lot of pain."

Donald Valentine Jr. is a 20-year Navy veteran and was deployed to Iraq at the start of the Iraq war. Donald and Anna Valentine said they will also remember their son's big smile and big heart.

Anna Valentine said this is the worst thing that can happen to a mother.

"I don't think the pain will every go through, but I know he fought for his country," Anna Valentine said. "As long he wanted to be there ... like my husband said, we were with him 100 percent."

Donald Valentine Jr. said his son planned to join law enforcement after his military service.

"You spend your whole life trying to protect them -- to try to put them in the best, safe environment. But they grow up. They have to grow up and do their own thing."

The three soldiers who died were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash.

Valentine deployed to Iraq in April with the 2nd ID's Stryker Brigade.

Valentine enlisted on Sept. 18, 2004 -- three years to the day before he was killed in combat. His family said he was scheduled to come home for leave in November.

In addition to his parents, Valentine is survived by his wife of one year.

Funeral services for Valentine will be held in Texas, but the family plans to hold a memorial service in Orange Park for his friends.