A soldier from Hilo was killed in Afghanistan this week by a roadside bomb, the Department of Defense announced yesterday.

Sgt. Jasper Obakrairur, 26, died on June 1 after an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Nerkh, Afghanistan.

Obakrairur was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) from Fort Drum, N.Y.

Obakrairur joined the Army in March 2004 and has served at Fort Drum since August 2004.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Combat Infantry Badge.

Obakrairur was a graduate of the Combat Life Savers Course and Warrior Leader Course among others.

He had previously deployed to Afghanistan from January 2006 to May 2007.

Obakrairur is survived by his mother, father and sister.