Infantryman From Chelsea Killed In Afghanistan

Dee Duren, NewsOn6.com

UNDATED -- A soldier from Chelsea lost his life Thursday in Afghanistan. Sergeant Anthony Del Mar Peterson was killed when he was struck by small arms fire while on patrol in Paktia Province.

Peterson, an infantryman with Company B, 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry, was 24 years old. He is the fourth Oklahoma serviceman to be killed in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan this week.

His sister Brittany Peterson posted on her Facebook page Thursday: "For everyone who doesn't know my brother Anthony Peterson died in combat this morning. He is a great man and will be missed."

Funeral arrangements are pending, Brittany Peterson said.

"Oklahoma has lost another brave son," said Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, adjutant general for Oklahoma.

8/4/2011 Related Story: Fallen Sapulpa Soldier Remembered For Integrity, Faith

"Sgt. Peterson was an exceptional Soldier who worked tirelessly to protect the values that we as Americans hold close to our hearts. I ask for all Oklahomans to pray for his family and friends as they deal with this tragedy."

Peterson was previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2006-07. He attended Chelsea High School and Rogers University, according to his Facebook page.

Earlier this week, Second Lt. Jered W. Ewy of Edmond, and Spc. Augustus J. Vicari of Broken Arrow, died while conducting a dismounted patrol in Janak Khetl. Staff Sgt. Kirk Owen, of Sapulpa was killed when his vehicle hit an IED in the Lajah District of Paktia Province.

The 1st Battalion, 279th Infantry, which is currently made up of more than 800 Soldiers, deployed to Afghanistan in June as part of the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oklahoma Army National Guard.