Air Force Staff Sergeant Todd James Lobraicou's body returns home today, memorial set for Friday, September 13th

Air Force Staff Sergeant Todd James Lobraico was assigned to the 105th Security Forces Squadron, based at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, NY. He was on his second tour of duty in the Middle East after previously serving in Iraq. The New York Air National Guard said Lobraico died as a result of wounds sustained when his unit near Bagram Airfield was attacked with small arms fire. The casket of Staff Sgt. Todd Lobraico returned Saturday to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware and will be coming home to Stewart today.

Memorial services have been set for the 22-year-old soldier killed in action this past Thursday in Afghanistan. Funeral services for Staff Sgt. Todd James "T.J." Lobraico Jr., a member of the New York Air National Guard will be held at the O'Neill Center on Western Connecticut State University's campus Friday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in North Cemetery on Church Road in Sherman. Calling hour will be at the O'Neill Center, off Lake Avenue Extension, Thursday from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Tom Hicks, owner of Gil's Auto and Truck Repair, where Lobraico had worked before his deployment, said Lobraico was "an overall good kid, an unbelievable kid," Hicks said. Lobraico's father, Todd, is an officer in the Stamford Police Department and an Air Force veteran who served in the first Persian Gulf War. His mother, Linda Rohatsch, and his stepfather, Dr. R. Robert Rohatsch, live in New Fairfield.

A scholarship fund has been established in his name. Donations may be sent to SSgt. TJ Lobraico Jr. Scholarship Fund, c/o Wells Fargo, 1 Eagle Road, Danbury, CT 06810.

Flags in New Fairfield remain at half-staff in remembrance of 9/11 Anniversary and in respect for the life of Staff Sergeant Lobraico.