MCALESTER, Okla. (KFSM) — The Department of Defense identified the civilian employee and American soldier who were killed in Afghanistan Thursday.
The Pentagon said Michael G. Sauro, 40, of McAlester, Oklahoma died in Kabul.
A U.S. official said the attack happened at an Afghan military ammunition supply point outside of Kabul. They said the Americans were visiting the site as part of their train, advise and assist mission when a lone gunman opened fire on them at the entry control point.
Officials said the assailant was wearing an Afghan army uniform and was killed.
Sauro deployed on Sept. 17 and was to return to the U.S. in March. It was his third deployment. He began his federal civilian service in December of 1999 and spent his career working for the Defense Ammunition Center, McAlester, and Fort Riley, Kansas, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, satellite training locations.
Officials said Sauro’s remains are en route to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, where they will be transported to McAlester for services. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Also killed Thursday was Sgt. Douglas J. Riney, 26, of Fairview, Illinois who was assigned to the Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division in Fort Hood, Texas.
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.
Two other men, Richard Alford and Rodney Henderson, were also injured. Alford is in stable condition and Henderson suffered minor injuries. Both men are set to return to the United States.
The incident in Afghanistan is under investigation.
