Las Vegas soldier killed in Afghanistan attack

By Jackie Valley

Published Tuesday, March 1, 2011 | 6:40 a.m.

Updated Tuesday, March 1, 2011 | 2:08 p.m.

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.

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

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.

During his time in the military, Tabada earned multiple awards, including an Army Commendation Medal, officials said.

Gov. Brian Sandoval has ordered flags to fly at half-staff to honor Tabada until sunset Wednesday. The governor said Tabada “made the ultimate sacrifice and we are forever grateful.”

Sun reporter Cy Ryan contributed to this report.