Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Rhys W. Klasno dies of injuries from I.E.D.

A citizen soldier from Riverside died in a roadside bombing in Haditha, Iraq, over the weekend, military authorities said Tuesday.

National Guard Specialist Rhys W. Klasno, 20, died Sunday. He was assigned to the 1114th Transportation Company in Bakersfield.

Klasno enlisted on March 12, 2004, and joined the 18th Cavalry. Later during his service, he became an ammunitions specialist, National Guard Lt. Theresa Chrystal said.

When he deployed to Iraq, Klasno became a heavy vehicle driver, the lieutenant said.

Klasno has received the National Defense Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Drill Attendance Ribbon.

He was posthumously promoted to sergeant, Chrystal said.

From CBS 2