US Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Identified As Simi Valley Man
KABUL, Afghanistan (CBSLA/AP) — The Pentagon says a U.S. soldier has died from wounds sustained during an operation in Afghanistan's eastern Logar province.
The Defense Department identifies the solider as 33-year-old Sgt. 1st Class Stephen B. Cribben of Simi Valley. He was assigned to 2d Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group, Fort Carson, Colorado.
Officials say Cribben -- a decorated Green Beret -- died Saturday as a result of wounds sustained while engaged in combat operations.
Cribben was awarded the Bronze Star and three Army commendations.
The soldier's proud parents spoke to KCAL9's Jeff Nguyen Sunday evening.
His mom Leslie spoke about her son and how close they were.
"I told him you'll always be my little boy," she said.
Nguyen reported that you could not tour their home without seeing how exceptionally proud they were of their son.
"He could walk into a room and exude...just his presence," said father Joe.
Cribben was on his second deployment to Afghanistan.
He was there to teach local forces how to defend themselves against the Taliban.
His parents said he married Shelley, the first girl he ever dated. They have two boys -- Connor and Wyatt.
Their aunt Whitney says she wanted to make sure the world knew this about their dad.
"He was compassionate to a fault," Joe said, "he wanted to help everyone."
Cribben's body is expected to return home Tuesday.
(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
