By AP
Waverly, IN – A soldier who grew up in central Indiana has been killed in combat in Iraq.
30 year old Private Stephen Downing died last Thursday from small arms fire during combat opertaions in Ar Ramadi.
The Pentagon listed his residence as Burkesville, KY but a family friend says he grew up in Waverly, In and graduated from nearby Mooresville High School.
Downing was an ammunition specialist assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery at Camp Hovey, Korea. He was divorced with a 9 year old daughter and a 5 year old son.
Downing is the 29th person from Indiana to have died after being sent to the Mideast since the buildup for the invasion of Iraq began in early 2003.