Fort Lewis just e-mailed more information about Sgt. Kyle Harrington, the member of the 542nd Maintenance Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion killed in Iraq on Saturday.

Harrington, 24, died after being struck by a forklift in Basra.

Here's a link to the story in this morning's paper.

And here's the press release:

FORT LEWIS, Wash. - The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to the Dept. of Defense, Sgt. Kyle J. Harrington, 24, of Swansea, Mass., died Jan. 24 in Basra, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-hostile accident in his unit motor-pool. He was assigned to the 542nd Maintenance Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion, 593rd Sustainment Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash. The company deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in April, 2008, for a 15-month tour of duty.

The incident is under investigation.

According to unit records, Harrington initially entered military service on May 25, 2004. After completing advanced individual training in his military occupational specialty of 63B: Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic at Fort Jackson, S.C., he reported to Fort Lewis on December 14, 2004, and was initially assigned to the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Harrington was reassigned in the fall of 2005 to the 542nd Maintenance Company and deployed with the unit to Iraq in November 2005 for 12 months. Harrington was on his second tour in Iraq with the 542nd Maintenance Company at the time of his death.

His civilian and military education includes a high school diploma (2003), and the Military Occupational Specialty 63B (Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic) qualification course; Warrior Leader Course (2007); Combat Lifesaver Course (2005). His awards and decorations include Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, Drivers Mechanic Badge, and Drivers Wheeled Vehicle Badge.

On behalf of the entire Fort Lewis military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sgt. Harrington.

The Department of Defense made official what we (and two Massacuesets) newspapers reported over the weekend:

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Kyle J. Harrington, 24, of Swansea, Mass., died Jan. 24 in Basra, Iraq, of injuries sustained from a non-hostile accident in his unit motor pool. He was assigned to the 542nd Maintenance Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion, 593rd Sustainment Brigade, Fort Lewis, Wash.

The incident is under investigation.

Usually Fort Lewis will follow with more details. I’ll post them then.