Body Of Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Returns To RI

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The body of a soldier from Middletown who was killed in Afghanistan has returned to Rhode Island.

Sgt. Michael F. Paranzino's body arrived by plane at Quonset on Friday.

He died last week after insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He was 22 and was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum, N.Y.

Paranzino graduated from Middletown High School in 2006. He leaves behind a wife and two children.

The governor has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff until he is laid to rest.

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