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Pocono News Section
Fallen Soldier Remembered A Born Leader
Fallen Soldier Remembered A Born Leader - Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 11:29PM EST
Reported by: Joe Holden
Wednesday, May 21, 2008 @ 11:29pm EST
PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY- "I know, deep in my heart, he died doing what he loved doing." Lt. Col. Stephen Zarnowksi choked back tears describing the final moments of Lt. Jeffrey DePrimo's life. The Pittston native was killed in a roadside attack Tuesday morning.
The Military released information that DePrimo, 35, died after an explosive was detonated near his Humvee. Two other soldiers were killed in the terrorist attack and two more were wounded. The Military didn't have information on their identities, except to say the injured were from Northeast Pa. and their families had requested they remain anonymous.
Lt. DePrimo is being remembered a born leader who wanted to root out terrorism. His Military career was bright. "I told him before he left that he was probably going to be one of my company commanders when he got back and hopefully promote him to captain sometime very soon in the near future. I just thought that highly of his leadership, his abilities," Lt. Col. Zarnowski said.
His superiors admired him. His men looked up to him.
"They knew not to question. They would just follow him and not a blind following either, but a sense of faith in leadership and faith in knowing the right thing to do at the right time," Lt. Col. Zarnowksi said.
DePrimo was several months into his Afghanistan mission. He was deployed from the West Pittston barracks in December for training. The rest of his company returns in December.
DePrimo joined the Pa. National Guard 109th in 2003. West Pittston Mayor Bill Goldsworthy said the community will be ready to salute Lt. DePrimo. "For the job they do in volunteering for your safety, my safety, our country, how appropriate this weekend is Memorial weekend. It'll be just a little sadder." DePrimo is a graduate of Seton Catholic High School, Pittston.
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