Kristofer R. Ciraso dies of injuries from I.E.D.

Kristofer Ciraso from Maine was killed by an explosive device in Baghdad late last week. Ciraso graduated from Bangor High School in 1999.

Ciraso was an average student, but excelled in the ROTC program. His Junior ROTC instructor said he was an incredible leader in the program. Since starting at Bangor High School, his goal was to enlist in the military.

Staff Sergeant Kris Ciraso is remembered as considerate, confidant and stoic.

"So I'm saddened by it as are the men of his group because there's a closeness that develops that doesn't happen in many other places in life," said Lt. Colonel Jack Kurtzman, senior army instructor at Bangor High School.

Lieutenant Colonel Kurtzman taught Ciraso in Bangor High School's Junior ROTC program. He says Ciraso was quiet, but took the military seriously.

"We wear uniforms once a week. He got a merit every week. He took a lot of pride in his uniform and how he looked," said Lt. Colonel Kurtzman.

As a senior, Ciraso's leadership landed him the position of company commander. He was a role model and leader for 50 other cadets.

"I think the biggest thing was his caring and compassion, and caring about how his unit did, the group he was responsible for. He had a sincere interest in his company, the 50 cadets in his company," said Lt. Colonel Kurtzman.

Ciraso joined the ROTC as a freshman, and excelled in the program. When he was a junior he enrolled in the National Guard. And at graduation he enlisted for active duty with the U.S. army.

Ciraso was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. His family moved out of Maine when he graduated Bangor High. That's when Lt. Colonel Kurtzman lost contact with him.

In his 13-years teaching ROTC, Ciraso is the Lt. Colonel's first graduate killed in action. As he continues teaching a new generation, he knows serving in the military was Ciraso's dream.

The ROTC group at Bangor High is planning a moment of silence and presentation of colors at this Friday's basketball game.

From WCSH 6