Another 45th Brigade Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Another Oklahoma soldier has been killed in Afghanistan.

Spc. Francisco J. Briseno-Alvarez Jr., 27, of Oklahoma City, died September 25 in Laghman province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device, according to the Department of Defense.

According to the Oklahoma Army National Guard, three other Soldiers were wounded in the attack which occurred in the Laghman Province. The Briseno-Alvarez family and the families of the wounded were notified by military officials late Sunday.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the Briseno-Alvarez family and those of our wounded heroes," said Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, adjutant general for Oklahoma. "Spc. Briseno-Alvarez answered the call to serve this great Nation and help defend it. His loyalty and ultimate sacrifice for the sake of our Country will never be forgotten."

Spc. Briseno-Alvarez graduated from U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City in 2003. He joined the Oklahoma Army National Guard on September 11, 2010, and attended advanced individual training (AIT) to become a truck driver.

At the time of his death, Spc. Briseno-Alvarez was assigned to Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 179th Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, based in Stillwater. He previously served in Company E, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, also of Stillwater.

Spc. Briseno-Alvarez is the twelfth Oklahoma Army National Guard Soldier to die in Afghanistan since July 29, according to the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

Other Oklahoma soldiers who recently died in Afghanistan are:

Sgt. Mycal L. Prince of Minco

Specialist Joshua Seals of Porter

1st L. Damon Leehan of Moore

Spc. Jordan Morris of Stillwater

Lt. Joe L. Cunningham of Kingston

2nd Lt. Jered W. Ewy of Edmond

Private 1st Class Augustus J. Vicari of Broken Arrow

Sgt. Anthony Del Mar Peterson of Chelsea

Staff Sgt. Kirk Owen of Sapulpa

Sgt. Bret Isenhower of Seminole

Specialist Christopher D. Horton of Collinsville

Private First Class Tony J. Potter Jr. of Okmulgee