Sapulpa Soldier Dies In Iraq

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) _ A 24-year-old Army private from Sapulpa and another soldier die in a roadside explosion near Baghdad. <br/><br/>The US Defense Department says Private First Class Bryan -L- Quinton

Friday, May 5th 2006, 3:54 pm

By: News On 6

SAPULPA, Okla. (AP) _ A 24-year-old Army private from Sapulpa and another soldier die in a roadside explosion near Baghdad.

The US Defense Department says Private First Class Bryan -L- Quinton and Staff Sergeant Gavin -B- Reinke died Thursday when an improvised explosive device detonated near their vehicle during combat operations.

Quinton and Reinke were assigned to the 5th Engineer Battalion, 1st Engineer Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

A born-again Christian and member of the Open Door Fellowship Church in Sapulpa, Quinton spoke to the congregation by telephone last Sunday, his voice broadcast through the church sound system.

The Reverend Steve Farmer says Quinton was a hero fighting for our rights to live like we do, and was a precious kid who he's going to miss tremendously.

Funeral arrangements for Quinton haven't been finalized.