CATALIN DIMA

Army Sgt. Catalin Dima of White Lake, NY, who was killed on November 13, 2004 while serving in Iraq, will be buried tomorrow with full military honors. Just one month earlier he was awarded his US citizenship; he was a native of Romania.

Dima came to the United States in 1996. He married his wife, Florika Zgrda one year later and in 1999, moved to Sullivan County.

Shortly after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Catalin entered the US Army Reserves. He had previously served in the Romanian Army. While in the US Army, he received numerous commendations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Rib , Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal and Army Service Ribbon.

Sgt. Dima leaves behind his mother, Christina Dima of Romania; wife, Florika; two sons, Christian and John Peter; a daughter, Angela Maria; a brother, Bogdan Dima of Romania; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.