2 NYC soldiers, including one with Conn. ties, killed in Iraq

NEW YORK --Two soldiers from New York City, including one who graduated from Trinity College in Hartford, were killed this week in Iraq, military officials said.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Schuyler B. Haynes, 40, of Manhattan died Wednesday when his vehicle was bombed about 40 miles north of Baghdad, military officials said.

Haynes graduated from Trinity College with a bachelor's degree in history, his mother Sophy Haynes told the Daily News in Saturday's editions.

Haynes, who grew up on New York City's Upper West Side, joined the military after graduating 17 years ago, his mother said.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

Army Spc. Justin R. Garcia, 26, of Queens, also was killed this week in Iraq when a roadside bomb exploded Tuesday in Baghdad.

Garcia was orphaned at age 12 and raised by his grandfather in the Elmhurst section of Queens. He attended St. Agnes High School in Manhattan and St. Thomas Aquinas College in Rockland County.

Moved by the Sept. 11 attacks, Garcia joined the military after graduating. His wife Michelle, 23, is six months pregnant with their first child.

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Information from: Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com