LA GRANDE, Ore. (AP) -- Sgt. 1st Class John S. Stephens, a U.S. Army soldier from Oregon, has died in Iraq, according to his family.

His father, Gene Stephens, said his son was driving a command vehicle when he was hit by an explosive device.

Stephens family

Stephens, 43, was born in Prineville, Ore. His family moved to La Grande when he was young, and he was raised there. He graduated from La Grande High School.

Stephens, who was known as Scott to family and friends, had served in the military for more than 20 years and been to Iraq twice before. He worked as a medic and was deployed from Fort Riley, Kan., for this tour.

"He was a dedicated military man," his father said. "He told us that he was doing his job, and when he went back to Iraq this time, he said he was going back to do his job and try and help people there."

Stephens leaves his wife in Germany, three children and two grandchildren.