Army sergeant's family proud of his life, accomplishments

Grieving relatives of Sgt. Anthony Jason Schober held a short press conference on Friday afternoon in Carson City.

It was determined late Thursday that Schober, 23, had died May 12 during an attack south of Baghdad, Iraq.

"He became a sergeant, a non-commissioned officer and I was so proud," said Anthony's father, Edward Schober, whose voice shook with emotion.

Anthony, an infantryman assigned to Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment at the time of his death, was greatly affected by the events of Sept. 11, his father said.

"At age 17, Anthony came to me and said he wanted to join the Army," Edward Schober said. "I asked him whether he was sure it was what he wanted and he said it was, so I agreed to sign."

Parental consent is required for minors to enlist in the military. Anthony had attended Douglas High School then Job Corps before joining the military.

Anthony's sister Rebecca sat near Edward during the press conference. She cried most of the time.

"She looked up to him, physically and emotionally. He was her hero, and she thought Anthony was invincible," he said.

Anthony was 2 years old when he wrapped his arms around Edward's leg for the first time and called him "Dad." Edward ended up marrying Anthony's mother and adopted the boy, then age 5. The two have since divorced.

The sergeant is also survived by his mother, Roberta, and another sister, Jessica. He was the oldest child in the family, Edward said.

"I want everyone to know that our hearts are with the families of the three soldiers still unaccounted for," he said.

Gov. Jim Gibbons ordered flags flown at half-staff at the Capitol.

"Sgt. Schober exemplified honor and love of country," Gibbons stated in a press release. He is "one of our nation's true heroes."

Anthony previously deployed to Iraq April 2003 to March 2004, and from January to June 2005. He returned in August 2006.

His next assignment was to be in Italy, and he was "looking forward to that," Edward said.

Anthony's military awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon, according to officials at his home base, Fort Drum, N.Y.

Three other members of the same unit also died and three others are believed to have been captured by al-Qaida, according to the Associated Press.

Funeral arrangements are still being planned, family members added.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.