Reno marine killed in Afghanistan

RENO - A 23-year-old Marine who was born and raised in Reno has been killed in action in Afghanistan.

The Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday Sgt. Frank R. Zaehringer III died early Monday while on a combat operation in the Helmand province.

Relatives say the Wooster High School graduate was on a foot patrol when he stepped on an explosive device.

His mother, Sharon Zaehringer, said the Wooster High School graduate joined the Marines in 2007 "to help those who could not help themselves." He left for Afghanistan in August on his second tour of duty.

The Pentagon said he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.