FORT DRUM, N.Y. -- Those who knew Corporal J. Adan "Adam" Garcia say he believed in his mission and whole heartedly supported his fellow soldiers.

Garcia joined the Army after he graduated high school because of the events of 9-11. His father Joe says he was ready to go to Iraq with his platoon. On May 22nd, 2006, Garcia's patrol was attacked by enemy forces.

"He was a gunner in my vehicle and the vehicle in front of us started taking fire originally. Adam got up on his weapon to defend that soldiers and that's when he was hit," said Joe Wiegrefe, Garcia's former squad leader.

"My gunner was the first one to take shots from the small arms fire and it was, it was due to mostly because of Adam that my gunner is still here probably right now," said SSG Roger Griggs, former comrade.

Garcia died days later of his wounds.

On Thursday, Range 50 on post was dedicated and renamed the Garcia Demolition Range.

"It's something that's apart of Adam that will live on. It's a tremendous honor to him and I'm sure that he would be very proud you know to have this named after him. I mean, it's just a little piece of him that's still here," said Joe Garcia, Garcia's father.

"When we come here for future training events, it will touch a special place in our hearts knowing, you know, that when we're training, it's like he's still here training with us," said SSG Benjamin Johnson, a former comrade.

Garcia's comrades say they'll always remember Adam for being able to bring a smile to one's face and always having a good attitude. Many called him an ideal soldier. They say it's fitting that future combat engineers will now be training on Range 50, the Garcia Demolition Range.

Garcia was a member of the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his actions.