
TULSA, Okla. — Friends and relatives of a soldier who died in Afghanistan say he cared deeply for his family and was a proud and dedicated military man who believed in what he was doing.
Army Spc. Derek A. Stanley, 20, of Tulsa, died Monday in Salerno, Afghanistan, the military said in a news release. His death was not combat-related and remains under investigation, the Department of Defense said.
“Derek always conducted himself honorably and was a much-loved son, brother, grandson, cousin and nephew,” his mother, Darlyn M. Smith, who moved eight months ago from Tulsa to Boise, Idaho, said in a statement released by the National Guard.
“He was his mother’s protector, strength and friend. He loved his family deeply.”
Stanley dropped out of high school in Tulsa and entered the Thunderbird Youth Academy in...