Afghanistan

US Army Sergeant From National City Has Died in Afghanistan: DoD

A U.S. soldier from the San Diego area has died from a non-combat related injury at Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Wednesday.

Staff Sgt. Diobanjo S. Sanagustin, 32, died Tuesday in an incident currently under investigation, the DoD said. No other details were released. 

Sanagustin, of National City, was assigned to 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, based in Fort Carson, Colorado.

He was in Afghanistan supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel, an overseas counterterrorism mission, the DoD said.

Sanagustin was given over 20 awards throughout his service. 

He served as a squad leader within the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His commander, Lt. Col. David Uthlaut, said Sanagustin made a lasting impact on his unit and his memory will be cherished.

He joined the army in May 2007 and deployed three times — once each to Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan, Stars and Stripes reported.

He was originally from the Philippines and became a U.S. citizen in 2008 during a ceremony with other members of the military in Kuwait, the Associated Press reported.

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