Sgt. Steven Checo

[David]

ELIZABETH, N.J. ? The family of a U.S. soldier killed during a firefight in Afghanistan mourned privately Sunday.

Neighbors described Sgt. Steven Checo as a good son.

The 22-year-old paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division was shot Saturday December 21, 2002 during a gun battle in the eastern Afghanistan town of Shkhin.

Checo died during surgery at a field hospital, according to an Army statement from Fort Bragg, N.C., the home of the 82nd Airborne.

Checo was the first U.S. combat death in Afghanistan since August, and the 17th American killed in a hostile situation there since the war on terror began late last year.

A neighbor, Salvatore J. Conforti, said Checo moved to Elizabeth from New York with his mother and sister about two years ago. He has a brother who is also in the military, Conforti said.

"He was a beautiful young man," Conforti said.

A mass was performed for Checo on Sunday morning, said the Rev. Ronald Newland of St. Mary's of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, where the family attends services.

As people streamed to the family's home to pay their respects Sunday, someone displayed an American flag at an upstairs window.

[Arrow]

may you find peace on the other side.

[Boats]

Words can no explain the loss your family must be going through this holiday. But your sacrafice is not in vain. Sgt. you will be in many prayer's over this holiday. We will all meet once again and until this day we thank you for your service and the ultimate contribution you've made in behalf of your country.

Right Hand Salute! God Speed Sgt. Steven Checo