By Mark Wozniak
Niagara Falls, NY – A Niagara Falls soldier is the first 2007 Iraqi combat fatality from Western New York.
Specialist Lorne Henry Jr., 21, died after an explosion blew up the truck he was driving early Tuesday, Iraq time.
Henry was a 2004 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, where he was a varsity swimmer. Falls Mayor Vincent Anello has ordered city flags to be flown at half staff Wednesday in Henry's memory.
Fr. Stewart Lindsay of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church told the "Niagara Gazette" that Henry was the second oldest of four brothers, and had hoped to become engaged to his high school sweetheart when he finished his military duty. Specialist Henry was scheduled for discharge this coming August.