Soldier from Greenlawn killed in Afghanistan

Long Island lost another hero Saturday when a National Guardsman from Greenlawn was killed in Afghanistan. Sgt. Anthony Mangano, 36, died doing something he really believed in, his mother Constance said.

News 12 Staff

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Jun 25, 2008, 8:21 PM

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Updated 6,027 days ago

Long Island lost another hero Saturday when a National Guardsman from Greenlawn was killed in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Anthony Mangano, 36, died doing something he really believed in, his mother Constance said. Mangano had recently written to his mother that it was his choice to fight and die for his country.

Mangano and three other soldiers were killed while en route to a training location. Their vehicle was struck by an explosive device and small firearms.

Mangano originally grew up in Nesconset. His mother says he enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1991 and then re-enlisted in March 2007 because of his passion for the United States.

?He knew that he was taking a big risk,? Mangano?s mother said. ?He was willing to do that ? he loved his country and he wanted to do something about it, not just talk about it.?

Mangano leaves behind a wife, who lives in Brazil. She will come to Long Island on Thursday to be with her late husband?s family.

A memorial service was held in Afghanistan Tuesday for Mangano and the other three soldiers killed, his mother said. Funeral arrangements for Mangano are still being finalized.