Press Release
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 3:07 pm
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FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 22, 2019) - Gov. Matt Bevin today recognized the sacrifice of a Kentucky soldier who died in Iraq while supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.
According to the Department of Defense, Spc. Ryan Dennis Orin Riley, 22, of Richmond, Kentucky, died April 20 in Ninawa Province, Iraq, in a non-combat-related incident. The incident is under investigation.
"Our hearts are broken for the family of this young Kentucky soldier," said Gov. Bevin. "May God bring peace and comfort to those grieving as only He can."
Riley was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
"We are deeply saddened by Ryan's passing," Col. Derek Thomson, commander of 1st BCT, 101st Airborne, said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to his family as together we mourn the loss of our brother-in-arms. As we grieve this tragic loss, we will also draw strength from his memory as his mates continue to build the capacity of the Iraqi Army and enable the defeat of ISIS."
Riley's awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Action Badge. The Military Times
Service arrangements are pending. Gov. Bevin will direct flags at state facilities lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on the day of Spc. Riley's interment, and he encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.
Flag status information is available at http://governor.ky.gov/flag-status.