Robert F. White

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia paratrooper has been killed in Afghanistan when the vehicle he was in was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, the 82nd Airborne said Wednesday.

Army Staff Sgt. Robert White, 34, of Cross Lanes died Monday from wounds he sustained as his patrol was attacked by militants near Zahri, according to a news release. White was an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, N.C.

“Bob White was the kind of man who always had a positive attitude and a smile on his face, no matter how tough the situation, and no matter who he was talking to,” said Lt. Col. David P. Anders, 1st Battalion, 325th AIR commander. “He was greatly respected by his troopers, peers and superiors alike as a great leader and paratrooper. A loving husband, father and dear friend to many, he will be sadly...