Guard Member Killed in Afghanistan Accident

     PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - A South Dakota National Guard soldier
serving in Afghanistan has died in a non-combat related accident.
     The South Dakota governor's office says 21-year-old Specialist
Dennis G. Jensen of Sioux Falls died Tuesday from injuries suffered
while working with bridge materials near Camp Leatherneck in the
Helmand province of southern Afghanistan.
     The former Vermillion resident was struck by two steel bridge
decking panels that fell from a forklift when a securing strap
broke.
     He was taken to Bastion Airfield Hospital but died. Officials
say Jensen was wearing all appropriate safety gear at the time.
     The accident remains under investigation.
     Jensen is survived by his mother, Christine Bestgen of Lead,
father Glenn Jensen of Yankton, and sister Melissa Jensen of
Minneapolis, Minn.
     Funeral arrangements are pending.