Staff Sgt. Kristofer R. Ciraso

FORT HOOD, Texas – The Department of Defense announced the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Kristofer R. Ciraso, 26, of Bangor, Maine, died Dec 7, in Baghdad, Iraq, after an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Ciraso joined the military in April 2001 as an infantryman and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division since January 2001. He deployed to Iraq in October 2006. Staff Sergeant Ciraso’s military awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Expeditionary) Medal, Global War on Terrorism (Service) Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Weapon Qualification – Rifle - Expert.

My gratitude and prayers go out to Staff Sergeant Ciraso and his family and comrades in arms, with love. We share in your loss of this hero. We will always honour and remember. Always...