Army Sgt. Reno S. Lacerna

Died December 31, 2007 Serving During Operation Iraqi Freedom

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44, of Waipahu, Hawaii; assigned to the 87th Corps Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.; died Dec. 31 in Qayyarah, Iraq, of a non-combat-related illness.

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Fallen sergeant remembered for enthusiasm, generosity

The Associated Press

Reno S. Lacerna’s sister had plenty of ways to remember her brother when she learned of his death.

“I couldn’t help but turn back the hands of time from when he was an innocent playful child, a naughty crazy teenager, a hardworking Light Rail Transit training supervisor, a responsible family man, a new American immigrant and an enthusiastic U.S. Army sergeant,” wrote Lunei Lacerna Fitzsimmons.

Lacerna, 44, of Waipahu, Hawaii, died Dec. 31 in Al Qayyarah of a non-combat related illness. He was assigned to Fort Stewart.

“He was and will always be a good friend as well as great soldier. He was a decent athlete as well. He always respected everyone he came in contact with,” Tigilau Vaoifi, a fellow soldier, recalled.

Upon completion of his term of active duty service in December 2003, he joined the Hawaii Army National Guard. He returned to Iraq following re-enlistment.

He agreed to receive goods from people in the States and give them to soldiers who received little or no mail. Lacerna represented 10 male and three female soldiers.

He is survived by his wife, Concepcion, and sons, Iram, 13, and Rencio, 12.