Illinois Soldier, 26, Killed in Afghanistan

A soldier from Illinois was killed in Afghanistan Thursday, the Department of Defense announced.

Sgt. Douglas J. Riney, 26, of Fairview, died of wounds received after encountering “hostile enemy forces” in Kabul, the department said in a news release. In a separate release, the Department of Defense said Riney was killed with civilian Army employee Michael G. Suaro, 40, or McAlester, Oklahoma.

Riney entered active duty service in July of 2012 as a petroleum supply specialist and was last assigned to the Support Squadron, 3rd Calvary Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas since December 2012.

Riney had previously deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2014 to February 2015, the news release said. He also deployed from June 2016 to October in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

Riney's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, four Army Achievement Medals, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three campaign stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon and NATO Medal.

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