A Bronx resident who went to Iraq three months ago was killed Tuesday when a roadside bomb exploded near the vehicle he was riding in. Isaac Cortes joined the Army in January and had received several awards, including a Purple Heart. His family said Cortes died doing what he loved.

Emily Toro, Cortes? mother, said her son joined the Army to fight for those who couldn?t. His brother, Christopher Cortes, said Isaac chose to be selfless, because that?s the type of person he was.

?He was my older brother. He was my protector,? Christopher Cortes said. ?That was it since we were kids. He was there to protect me.?

Toro now wears her son?s tags around her neck, and she said her favorite one is the one that reads: ?All that I am and ever hope to be I owe to my angel, my mother.?

Christopher Cortes and Toro share matching tattoos that will also serve as a memory of Isaac. Their tattoos are a replica of the patch Isaac Cortes received in the 10th Mountain Division, which is based out of New York.

Isaac Cortes left behind a daughter as well.

For additional interviews with Isaac?s mother and brother, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and click on iO Extra.