From ABC 27 TV whtm.com
07/20/07:
Dover Soldier Killed in Iraq
Location: Dover, York County
Posted: July 20, 2007 12:10 PM EST
Dover, York County - A 2005 graduate of Dover Area High School has been killed in Iraq just one month before he was due to come home. Private First Class Zachary Clouser, 19, was one of four soldiers killed Wednesday when an improvised device exploded under their vehicle.
Stephane Wright, who spoke on behalf of Clouser's family, said his mother just learned Zach was supposed to leave Iraq in August. Hours later, she received word of his death. "She said Thursday morning when they announced the casualties, there was a gut feeling that it was Zach, that one was Zach," Wright said.
"I think she is in shock," Wright said of Zach's mother. "It really hasn't hit, but with most tragedies it really hits when it's all over, the funeral is finished taking place."
Zach had been in Iraq for 13 months. He came home on leave during the Easter holiday and visited his former teachers at Dover Area High School. "We got the call from the recruiter," said Principal Joel Reider, "and we said are you sure? Are you really sure? Because Zach was just here."
Funeral arrangements have not been made because it will be about 12 days before Zach's body arrives back in the United States.
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