AUGUSTA – A Maine Army National Guard soldier from Phillips died in Iraq earlier this week, Gov. John Baldacci said Friday.

Sgt. Richard Parker was killed in action Wednesday. The 26-year-old Parker was a member of Battery A, 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment from Waterville.

He served with the Security Force II element in Iraq.

Parker grew up in western Maine and attended Mt. Abram Regional High School in Strong. Mike Ellis, a guidance counselor at the school, said Parker knew when he was in middle school that he wanted to enlist in the military.

“He was a fine student and a fine young man and a leader among his peers,” Ellis said.

Baldacci said Parker’s family has been notified and that he extended his condolences to the soldier’s relatives.

“Sergeant Parker was well-loved and greatly respected by his unit and the Maine Army National Guard,” Baldacci said.

Flags will be ordered flown at half-staff on the day of Parker’s funeral.

“Sgt. Richard Parker served our nation with honor,” said Sen. Susan Collins in a prepared statement. “I join all Mainers in being forever grateful for his service and his sacrifice to our country. His family, friends and loved ones are in my prayers.”

Sen. Olympia Snowe also issued a statement praising the fallen soldier.

“Any time we lose one of our own, it is a terribly sad day for our state and our nation,” said Snowe. “Richard Parker bravely answered the call of duty and he will forever be remembered for his valiant service and courageous sacrifice. I extend my deepest thoughts and prayers to his family at this time.”

Rep. Tom Allen also extended his sympathy.

“Diana and I extend our deep condolences to Sergeant Parker’s loved ones and to his comrades in the 152nd Field Artillery Regiment headquartered in Waterville,” Allen stated in a release. “We honor his sacrifice and will remember him in our prayers. We are all indebted to the men and women of the Maine National Guard and all of the Mainers who have served on our behalf in Iraq and Afghanistan and to their families back home in Maine. We will never forget your dedication and courage, and you will always have our unwavering support.”

Added Rep. Michael Michaud:

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sgt. Richard Parker. These are trying times and words cannot do justice to the honor with which Sgt. Parker served his country and the sadness and loss his family now feels. He made the ultimate sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with his family as we all mourn this terrible loss.”