Flags at half-staff for soldier

Waterbury (WTNH) - Gov. Jodi Rell has orders flags in the state at half-staff in memory of a Waterbury native killed in Afghanistan.

Army Sergeant Ronald Jay Spino died Tuesday.

Spino was shot as he was unloading medical supplies at Bala Morghab, Afghanistan, the governor's office said. He was a member of the 274th Forward Surgical Team, 44th Medical Command from Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

"This brave and dedicated medic dedicated his military career to treating the fallen on the battlefield," Gov Rell said in a statement. "Not only did Staff Sergeant Spino care for their wounds, he was trained to take extraordinary risks - including combat parachute jumps - to place himself as close to them as possible to provide the very best care.

"This speaks far more eloquently than any words can do about Staff Sergeant Spino's character and bravery," the governor said. "All of Connecticut joins his friends and family in grieving this terrible loss."

The 45-year old was a graduate of Holy Cross High School Teikyo Post University, both in Waterbury.

Spino lived with his wife in Fayetteville, NC. His body is expected to be flown to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on New Year's Day.

----------

More information:

Waterbury Republican-American

Hartford Courant