Sgt. 1st Class Robert V. Derenda, Class of 85, died Aug. 5 when a civilian fuel tanker ran into the vehicle he was driving in Iraq.
A native of Cheektowaga, N.Y., Derenda, 42, attended The Citadel from August 1981 to December 1984. He majored in education and was a member of Bravo Company. Derenda went on to graduate from the University of Buffalo with a degree in chemical engineering. He was working as a chemical engineer in Paducah, Ky. before going to Iraq, according to his hometown newspaper the Buffalo News.
A drill sergeant, Derenda was assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve's 1st Brigade, 98th Division, Rochester, N.Y. He was stationed at a base in Al Kasik in northwestern Iraq and trained recruits for Iraq's military.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 13 in Cheektowaga, N.Y. Barron-Miller Funeral Home is in charge. Visitation is Friday, Aug. 12 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to T.A.P.S., Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, 1621 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009; www.taps.org.