Soldier with local ties dies in Afghanistan

PLYMOUTH, Mass. -- The war in Afghanistan has claimed the life of another local soldier.

A national guardsman who grew up in Plymouth has been killed.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Pucino was killed in Afghanistan on Monday when an improvised explosive device struck his all-terrain vehicle, while conducting a combat patrol in the vicinity of Pashay Kala, Afghanistan.

Pucino, a green beret who was already decorated with a bronze star and purple heart, had been scheduled to come home in January.

He is survived by his former wife Crystal Pucino of Clarksville, Tenn., his parents Albert and Kathryn Pucino of Orlando, Fla., and sisters Lisa Haglof of Sagamore and Melissa Pucino of Plymouth.

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