The Hood County community of Tolar is preparing to honor a hometown soldier who was killed last week while serving with U.S. Army Special Forces in Afghanistan.
Sgt. 1st Class Riley G. Stephens, 39, was on his fifth deployment when he died Friday of wounds sustained in small-arms fire in Wardak Province, according to an Army news release.Stephens was married and the father of three children.The Hood County News report reported that Stephens was a 1991 graduate of Tolar High School. He enlisted two years later, according to the Army.A candlelight vigil is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Old Tolar Rattler Football Field, 401 E. Seventh St.After initial training, Stephens was assigned to 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. Later, he was a scout section leader for the 17th Infantry Regiment at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.Stephens volunteered for the Special Forces and completed the elite unit's qualification course in 2005. Like all "Green Berets," Stephens was trained in airborne tactics and special weapons, but had a specialty -- in his case, medicine. He was also Ranger-qualified, the Army saidHe was assigned to the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg, N.C. Over five deployments to Afghanistan, Stephens earned medals including the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star with valor device, two other Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart and the Army Achievement Medal with valor device.Survivors include his wife, three children and his father, according to the Army.Bill Miller, 817-390-7684Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
