David Rylander

2nd Lt. David E. Rylander, age 23, of Stow, Ohio, died on May 2, 2012, in Logar province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, New York.

David joined the Army in May, 2011 after his graduation from West Point. He arrived at Fort Drum last November and he was deployed with his unit in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in January of 2012.

Jesus, pray for David

His decorations and awards include the Purple Heart, the NATO Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge and the Parachutists Badge.

Family members stated that David was always thinking of others. He was also an accomplished piano player, swimmer, avid camper, reader and, most importantly, a man of great faith.

Friends describe him as an outstanding leader, citizen and patriot. Others describe him as sincere, gentlemanly and enthusiastic. 

David is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his mother and father, Jacqueline and John Rylander; and his siblings - Daniel (age 19), Sarah (age 16) and Stephen (age 15). 

Let us pray that David Rylander is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.