WARDAK PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army 2nd Lt. David E. Rylander was born Oct. 14, 1988 in Akron, Ohio. He was commissioned May 21, 2011 in the U.S. Army, as a 12A, Engineer Officer. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., where he majored in Engineer Management. Prior to joining the United States Army, he resided in Stow, Ohio. He was killed by an improvised explosive device during a route clearance patrol in Wardak province while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, May 2.
Rylander’s first assignment was at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where he was assigned to C Company, 554th Engineer Battalion, Engineer Basic Officer Leader Course, as a student from July 2011 to November 2011. After completion, he was assigned to the 630th Route Clearance Company, 7th Engineer Battalion from Fort Drum, N.Y.
In January 2012, Rylander deployed to Wardak province, Afghanistan, where he joined the 630th Route Clearance Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom XI-XII. Upon arriving he took over as the platoon leader for Route Clearance Patrol 44.
Rylander had quite an eventful life with many accomplishments to his credit. He became an Eagle Scout in January 2005. While at the USMA, he led a cadet analysis team in Vietnam as part of Pacific Partnership 2010 aboard USNS Mercy. He passed the Fundamentals of Engineer Exam in April 2011. He also graduated from the Small Arms Weapons Training Course and the Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Ga.
Rylander’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO ISAF Medal, and Airborne Badge. He was also awarded the Combat Action Badge.
Rylander is survived by his parents John and Jackie Rylander from Stow, Ohio. He is also survived by his siblings Daniel, Stephen and Sarah Rylander. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten by the soldiers of the 630th Route Clearance Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade.
| Date Taken: | 05.02.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.13.2012 07:26 |
| Story ID: | 88369 |
| Location: | WARDAK PROVINCE, AF |
| Hometown: | AKRON, OHIO, US |
| Hometown: | STOW, OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 895 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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