Soldier Killed in Afghanistan to be Honored in Kinnelon

The is planning to honor Spc. Jonathan Batista, Sunday, at its next regular council meeting.

According to the Department of Defense, Batista, 22, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, was fatally wounded by enemy small arms fire while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan.

He joined the Army as an infantryman on March 16, 2010, and was serving his first deployment to Afghanistan when he was killed. When Batista died, he was with the A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment (AFAR), 4th Brigade Combat Team.

"Jon was a devoted son, a caring brother, a Paratrooper dedicated to the
safety and security of his Infantry team, and a newlywed. As a soldier, he
represented the qualities and values that make our nation great. Jon served
his platoon as a mine detector operator and cleared their path as they
patrolled throughout the farmland of Zharay. Their safety was his priority.
His courage bolstered theirs and endeared him to his Platoon," said Lt. Col. Phillip Raymond, Batista's Batallion commander.

"The Battalion extends their deepest condolences to his family and is humbled by their son's commitment, service and sacrifice."

Batista is a recipient of the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and several other honors.

Kinnelon Mayor Bob Collins said Batista grew up in Rutherford, but his mother lives in the borough.

"We haven't spoken to the family as of yet, we're trying to respect their privacy," he said.

An attempt to contact Batista's mother was unsuccessful.

Collins said Batista's remains are expected to be flown to North Carolina, where his home base was located.