Army Spc. Brian Tabada

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Brian Tabada, 21, of Las Vegas

Spc Tabada was assigned to 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.; died Feb. 27, 2011 in Konar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using small-arms fire and a rocket-propelled grenade.

A 21-year-old soldier from Las Vegas died Sunday in Afghanistan after insurgents attacked his mounted patrol unit, the Department of Defense announced today.

Spc. Brian Tabada, 21, died in the Kunar providence of Afghanistan from wounds suffered when attacked by insurgents using small arms fire and a rocket-propelled grenade, officials said.

Tabada, who joined the Army in August 2008, was assigned to the First Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, First Brigade Combat Team of the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell, Ky.

He had arrived at Fort Campbell in January 2009 as a fire support specialist, officials from the base said.

Clark County School District officials said Tabada had attended Shadow Ridge High School and then Arbor View High School before moving out of state in 2005.

Tabada joined the Army in August 2008 and has received a number of awards and commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge.

In a statement, Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval said, “I was saddened to learn of the death of Spec. Brian Tabada of Las Vegas in service to his country. Spec. Tabada made the ultimate sacrifice and we are forever grateful. As our state mourns his loss, Kathleen and I extend our sympathies to his family.”

Fort Campbell officials said Tabada is survived by his father, Muncko Kruize, of Honolulu, and his mother, Leinette Mahan, of Las Vegas.

Army Spc. Brian Tabada was killed in action on 2/27/11.