Connecticut soldier killed in Afghanistan

Army Sgt. Steven J. DeLuzio, of South Glastonbury, died in Afghanistan on Sunday, when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms and rocket-propelled grenade fire.

DeLuzio, 25, was serving in Afghanistan with the Vermont National Guard. Spec. Tristan H. Southworth, 21, of West Danville, Vt., also was killed in the attack, according to the Defense Department release. They were both assigned to the 172nd Infantry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Jericho, Vt.

His parents live in South Glastonbury, and his brother, Scott, is a member of the Connecticut National Guard.

Gov. M. Jodi Rell today ordered state and U.S. flags to be lowered to half staff until DeLuzio's funeral. The arrangements have not been finalized.

"I urge everyone to keep Sgt. DeLuzio and his family in your hearts and prayers," Rell said in a statement. "Please honor the memory of this brave soldier, who gave his life for our liberty. We will be forever grateful for his dedication to duty, to our freedom and the American ideals we hold so dear."