So. Ozone Pk. Soldier Killed In Combat

Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks While on duty in Afghanistan, an Army soldier from South Ozone Park and three colleagues were killed after their vehicle was reportedly attacked and struck by a roadside bomb, it was announced.

The U.S. Department of Defense said that Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks, 36, assigned to the Second Squadron, 101st Cavalry of the New York National Guard, died in the June 21 ambush outside the southern Afghan city of Kandahar.

Reportedly, Seabrooks along with two fellow New York National Guard members- Spc. Anthony Mangano of Greenlawn, L.I. and Sgt. Nelson Rodriguez-Ramirez of Revere, Mass.- and Lt. Col. James Walton of the First Infantry Division were en route to a training mission when their vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

According to a statement issued by the New York National Guard, the four soldiers were part of the Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, an international force comprised of American and NATO personnel assigned to

-SEE SOLDIER ON PG. 76- training the Afghan National Army and Police.

The task force is currently led by the New York National Guard's 27th Brigade Combat Team under the direction of Col. Brian Balfe.

Published reports stated that Seabrooks, who previously lived on 133rd Street, joined the Army four years ago and served the nation during Operation Iraqi Freedom. At the time of his death, the sergeant had served six months in Afghanistan and was scheduled to return home for a visit.

As part of his duties within the task force, the Defense Department stated, Seabrooks worked in reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition.

"These members of the Army National Guard died carrying out an important mission; training the Afghan forces to stand against elements that would return their country to the dark ages," said Major General Joseph Taluto, adjutant general and commander of the New York Army National Guard. "We are proud of them and we will never forget them."

Seabrooks is reportedly survived by six children as well as family members living throughout Queens.

In memory of Seabrooks and his three fallen colleagues, Gov. David Paterson ordered that all flags in New York State fly at half-mast last Friday, June 26.