A soldier with ties to Virginia City was killed in Iraq on Tuesday from injuries suffered when his vehicle struck an IED, or improvised explosive devise.
Staff Sgt. Bryan Bolander, 26, of Bakersfield, Calif., was on his fourth tour of duty in Baghdad at the time of his death. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, KY.
Staff Sgt. Bolander is the son of Greg Bolander, stepson of Brenda Bolander, and the grandson of Jack and Dorothy Bolander of Virginia City.
He entered the Army in April 2000 and arrived at Fort Campbell in November 2002.
Bolander's Awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device; Army Commendation Medal (2 awards); National Defense Service Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal (2 awards); Iraqi Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal: Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Kosovo Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (2 awards); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (2 awards); NATO medal; Meritorious Unit Citation; Ranger Tab; Combat Infantry Badge; Expert Infantry Badge; Air Assault Badge; Parachutist Badge; and Weapons Qualification, M4, Expert.
In addition to his father, stepmother and grandparents, Staff Sgt. Bolander is survived by his son, Tyler, 4, of St. Louis, Mo.; father Gregory Bolander of Virginai City, NV; mother Toni and stepfather Robert Kahrmann of Clarksville Tenn.,; grandparents Jack and Dorothy Bolander of Virginia City.