Nov 24, 2009 7:09 pm US/Eastern
Md. National Guardsman Killed In Afghanistan
COCKEYSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) ―
The Department of Defense announced Tuesday the death of a Maryland National Guard soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Pucino, 34, of Cockeysville, died Nov. 23 in Pashay Kala, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group of the Maryland Army National Guard in Glen Arm, Md.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pucino family during this most difficult time," said Brig. Gen. James A. Adkins, the adjutant general. "It is impossible for most of us to understand the emotional turmoil they must be going through. We ask our soldiers and airmen to perform dangerous jobs on a daily basis. The loss of one of our own is always very difficult, and very little can be said to ease the pain, but we will always remember Staff Sgt. Pucino's dedication to our nation as we honor his service and sacrifice."
Staff Sgt. Pucino is the eleventh Maryland Army National Guardsman to lose his life in the war on terror. Since 9/11, nearly 8,400 Maryland National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have been called to support various mobilizations including Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagle, Jump Start and the relief efforts for multiple hurricanes.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
WJZ.COM's Most Popular Slideshows
Winter Storm Hits Maryland, Part 3
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments