Army Spc. Daquane D. Rivers

Died March 14, 2012 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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21, of Marianna, Fla., assigned to 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany; died March 14 at FOB Orgun-E, Paktika province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained in a non-combat incident.

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Family recalls Ala. soldier killed in Afghanistan

The Associated Press

MARIANNA, Ala. — Family and friends of an Alabama soldier killed in Afghanistan say they want to celebrate his life, not mourn his death.

The Dothan Eagle reports friends and relatives of Army Spc. Daquane Demetrius Rivers gathered to remember him March 31 at Marianna High School, where the young soldier graduated just two years ago.

The Pentagon says Rivers died March 14 in a non-combat related accident. He was assigned to an infantry brigade based in Germany.

During the ceremony in Rivers’ hometown of Marianna, three medals were presented to his family in recognition of his service: the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and the NATO Medal.

The soldier’s mother, Barbara Ann Rivers, called him “a gift from Heaven.”

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Soldier killed in Afghanistan buried in home state

The Associated Press

MARIANNA, Fla. — A soldier killed in Afghanistan has been laid to rest in the Florida Panhandle.

A funeral was held Saturday in Marianna for Spc. Daquane D. Rivers. Pentagon officials say Rivers died March 14 in a non-combat-related incident in Afghanistan's Paktika province.

In a ceremony at the Marianna High School auditorium, a minister read a statement from Rivers' mother. Barbara Ann Rivers said her son was a charming and courteous leader. Other relatives told The News Herald that they remembered Rivers for his ability to always make someone laugh.

Rivers was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany.