Arcadian killed in Iraq explosion

The U.S. military has identified a 23-year-old Arcadia man as one of four U.S. Army soldiers killed in an explosion Saturday in Iraq.

Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot and three others were engaged in combat operations in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device, or IED, detonated near their Humvee and set it ablaze. The men died from injuries suffered in the explosion.

The other casualties are Spc. Eric D. King of Vancouver, Wash.; Pfc. Jacob H. Allcott of Caldwell, Idaho; and Pvt. Michael E. Bouthot of Fall River, Mass.

The Army soldiers were attached to the 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas, military officials said.

The Associated Press reports at least 2,392 members of the U.S. military have died since the Iraq war began in March 2003.

Copyright © 2006 Los Angeles Newspaper Group

Flags at half-staff for slain soldier

ARCADIA - Flags will be flown at half-staff over the Capitol in Sacramento in honor of a 23-year-old soldier from Arcadia who was killed in Iraq, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office announced Thursday.
Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot died Saturday when an improvised explosive device was detonated near the Hummer carrying four soldiers, who were all killed, an aide to Schwarzenegger said.

Colnot and the other soldiers were assigned to the

1st Squadron, 67th Armored Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.

"Sgt. Colnot gave his life serving his country and defending freedom," Schwarzenegger said. "There is no greater, more noble sacrifice than the one Kyle made. Maria and I join all Californians in expressing our deepest sympathies to the family and fellow soldiers as they mourn this brave young man."

Copyright © 2006 Pasadena Star-News
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Army Sergeant from San Dimas Killed in Iraq

SAN DIMAS -- Army Sgt. Kyle A. Colnot of San Dimas was killed in Baghdad, Iraq on April 22, when an improvised bomb detonated near the Humvee he was riding in with three other soldiers, who also were killed.

Colnot grew up in Arcadia and attended Arcadia High School before his family moved to San Dimas. Funeral services will he held Saturday at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Arcadia.

His mother, Denise Colnot, said the one thing she remembers most about her son was his bravery.

"Kyle was my hero," Colnot, 57, said Wednesday. "He was proud to serve and knew he may pay the ultimate price for freedom."

Army officials said the soldiers died supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom during combat operations.

The soldiers were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 67th Armored Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.

"It's important to remember that (Kyle) gave his life, he did not lose it," Colnot said. "He reenlisted in the Army in July 2004, with full knowledge that he would likely be deployed to Iraq."

Funeral services will he held Saturday at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Arcadia.

"He loved his country and he would do anything for it," said Pastor Roger Sonnenberg of Our Savior Lutheran Church. "What was neat about Kyle was he felt he was really serving not only our country but serving and providing a new freedom for all the people in Iraq."

For the complete story, pick up a copy of tomorrow's San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Copyright © 2006 Los Angeles Newspaper Group