Jason C. Denfrund dies of injuries from I.E.D.

Christmas Day brought heartbreak to a Southern Tier family. News 4's Luke Moretti reports that Army Sergeant Jason Denfrund of Cattaraugus is among the latest local casualties of the war in Iraq.

Diane Wienk, Denfrund's mother, said, "He wished us a Merry Christmas, and to tell us he'd been thinking about us, loved us and missed us."

Diane Wienk is talking about the last phone call home her son made. That was last Wednesday.

On Christmas Day, 24-year-old Sergeant Jason Denfrund died in Iraq after an improvised explosive device detonated.

Randy Wienk, Denfrund's father, said, "He was proud to be there, and serve his country. We're proud of him for that. He's just a hero."

Jason Denfrund grew up in the Village of Cattaraugus. He was outgoing and self-confident, his family says of him, the kind of guy people looked up to.

Randy Wienk said, "He was a leader. Everybody looked up to Jason as a hero. I mean, not just from the Army, but all through life."

After graduating high school, Jason attended college at Brockport, where he played football.

Later, he joined the Army, and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), based at Fort Drum.

He was five months into his second tour in Iraq.

Diane Wienk said, "We need to get out of there."

Diane Wienk says she was never a big supporter of the Iraq war, but especially now.

Diane Wienk said, "It's all wrong now. I mean, what we went over there for, it's not the issue anymore. And we're losing our boys, I feel, for nothing."

Randy Wienk says no parent likes the thought of their child in harm's way, but he says the Army is where Jason wanted to be -- proud of the uniform, and proud of his country.

Randy Wienk said, "They changed him for the good. They made a man out of him. Respectful. Responsible."

Sergeant Jason Denfrund leaves behind a wife and a seven-month-old baby. The family says funeral arrangements are still pending.

From WIVB 4