A 21-year-old Kaneohe Bay Marine who joined the military last year died Sunday from injuries suffered while in southern Helmand province in Afghanistan, the Pentagon said.

Pfc. Josue Ibarra of Midland, Texas, was severely injured by an improvised explosive device, his family told the Reporter-Telegram newspaper in Midland.

Known as "Yoshi," Ibarra was the youngest of six siblings. His sister Adrianna described her brother as adventurous and having a strong faith.

"He joined the military because he believed in what our country was fighting for and that he was going to make a difference. He always thought that things could change and be better," she told the newspaper.

Ibarra was a field artilleryman with the 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2010 and became part of the 1st Battalion, 12th Marines, in December, Hawaii officials said.

About 550 artillery Marines left Kaneohe Bay in April for a seven-month deployment to Helmand province. The Marines provide 155 mm artillery, 81 mm mortar and rocket support.

About 1,000 Hawaii-based Marines with the 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, also deployed in April for the Garmsir district in Helmand. A Hawaii-based Marine helicopter squadron is in the south of the country.

A total of 1,254 U.S. service members have been killed in action in the 10-year-old war and 12,002 have been wounded, according to the Pentagon.