Kevin M. Kryst slain by sniper

WEST BEND, Wis. (AP) - A 27-year-old Marine helicopter pilot from West Bend was killed in Iraq, only weeks after beginning his second deployment there, his mother said Tuesday.

Capt. Kevin M. Kryst died Monday from injuries sustained in fighting in al-Anbar province, the Department of Defense said in a statement.

"He died from injuries due to being hit by a fragment of a mortar," said his mother, Elizabeth Kryst.

"We're proud of him," she said. "But we're at a loss without him."

Kryst was the oldest of six children. He had four younger brothers and a younger sister.

He graduated from West Bend West High School in 1997 and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001. He enlisted upon graduation.

Kryst's great-grandfather had been a Marine.

"It was something he always wanted to do," Elizabeth Kryst said.

Kryst was first deployed in Iraq during 2004. "He was always very active, very busy. He had a need for speed, and that's what he got flying helicopters," Elizabeth Kryst said.

Her son was part of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, she said.

The unit's Web site had a statement posted Dec. 4, in which it said it had established its headquarters at Camp Korean Village near Rutbah and begun counterinsurgency operations to neutralize anti-Iraq forces in the province.

Patrick Gardon, West Bend West principal, issued a statement Tuesday saying that Kryst had been on the school's swimming team and part of its wind ensemble.

"He was very proud to serve his country and was a quality individual of high character, dedication and commitment, as well as an excellent student," Gardon said.

From WLUK 11