SAVANNAH, Ga. () – spoke with the brother of one of the three 3rd ID soldiers found dead after their training vehicle sunk in a bog in Lithuania.

On Monday, Joshua Jr. Mafnas said he received news of the worst possible outcome.

His brother, Dante Taitano, who he’d watched out for and cared for his whole life, had been found dead in Lithuania.

“I helped raise him since he was born actually. I’ve been there with him as much as my mom and my sister. Us three basically raised him. I was there with him up until I left for the Army,” Mafnas said. “He was known to be very energetic and caring. He loved to cook for his friends, and he was a fighter too.”

Mafnas talked with from his home in Texas.

He was in the military as well, and he was a role model for Dante.

“He actually joined the army because I joined the army as well. He told my mom that’s why he wanted to join,” Mafnas said.

Taitano was a mechanic in the First Armored Brigade combat team of the 3rd Infantry Division.

His brother said he was full of excitement the day of his Army graduation.

“I was very proud of him. He loved the Army. He was very excited and proud to be in the military as well.”

Taitano was stationed at Fort Stewart, but his family couldn’t wait for him to come home.

“He was going to finish his current term and move in with us. We always video timed and talked about it. He was excited.”

Now, though, they are mourning a life lost and what could have been.

“I know these things. I’ve been in the military. I know it doesn’t end well if you go missing in the military,” Mafnas said. “Just before he left for his training, he was letting me know that he was going there, and I told him be safe, I love you and stay out of trouble.”

The search for the last of the four soldiers, who hasn’t been found yet is still underway, according to US Army Europe and Africa.

The names of the other two soldiers have not been officially released.