A North Dakota National Guard soldier who died while serving in Kosovo has been identified as a Fargo man.
Sgt. Terry L. Rishling, a North Dakota Army National Guard Soldier from Fargo died at 6:04 p.m. Wednesday while deployed to Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, with Multi-National Battle Group-East, Kosovo Forces 12, on a NATO peacekeeping mission, according to a news release from the military.
Sgt. Rishling, 38, a team leader for Third Squad, Third Platoon, was assigned to Alpha Company, 231st Maneuver Task Force, a unit based in Valley City, N.D.
He did not die as a result of combat-related injuries or as a result of any accident. Rishling had not been feeling well and, earlier in the evening, went to the hospital, where he later died of apparent natural causes, according to the release.
Rishling's death also prompted a statement by Gov. John Hoeven.
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"Mikey and I are joined by all North Dakotans in mourning the loss of Sgt.
Terry Rishling, a true patriot who dedicated his life to the cause of defending our homeland and preserving peace around the world," Hoeven said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends in their time of grieving. We extend to them our deepest sympathy for their loss and our heartfelt gratitude for Sgt. Rishling's distinguished service to our state and nation."
Rishling enlisted with Charlie Company, 141st Engineer Combat Battalion, Bismarck, in July 2001.
In September 2004, he joined Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 141st Engineer Combat Battalion in Valley City, and then transferred to Alpha Company, 231st Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) the following year.
"Yesterday we lost one of our own," said Lt. Col. Lee Nordin. "Every Soldier in Task Force Defender will grieve this profound loss in their own way and together as a unit. Terry was a member of our team, our family, and we will honor his memory together, both at the ramp ceremony and at a memorial service planned by his unit Monday. He will not be forgotten and his Family and friends are in our thoughts."
Rishling is survived by his wife, Nancy A. (Gailfus) Rishling; daughters, Sophie, 8, and Courtney, 20, Fargo; and his parents, John and Gloria Rishling, Belcourt, N.D.
Rishling was employed at Jet-Way in Fargo for about three years. The company specializes in industrial cleaning of agricultural facilities.
