Connecticut soldier killed in Afghanistan

[maddezmom]

HARTFORD, Conn. -- A Connecticut soldier has been killed in Afghanistan by a roadside explosive, military officials confirmed Monday.

Staff Sgt. Joseph E Phaneuf Jr., 38, of Eastford, died Friday when his armored vehicle struck a roadside bomb, officials said. Phaneuf's wife, Michelle, and other family members were notified Saturday.

"It is very difficult to lose another great soldier who answered the call to duty," said Maj. Gen. Thaddeus J. Martin, the adjutant general and commander of the Connecticut National Guard.

Phaneuf was a member of the New Haven-based First Battalion 102nd Infantry and was one of three soldiers in the vehicle when the explosion occurred.

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more:
http://www.norwalkadvocate.com/news/local/state/hc-19014524.apds.m0916.bc-ct--solddec19,0,4089618.story?track=rss