Follow Up on Joplin Native Killed in Afghanistan

Family members of a Four-State native killed in the latest assault in Afghanistan, speak out about the soldier`s death. Army Sergeant Philip Svitak, a native of Joplin, was among the eight casualties Monday in fighting near the city of Gardez. Wednesday, members of the soldier`s family in Freemont, Nebraska, recalled their last conversations with Svitak and read from his final letter. Misty Janssen - Svitak`s Cousin "Since he left after thanksgiving we`ve had a bad feeling about it the whole time. Thanks again I will have to stop in sometime when I get the chance. Feel free to write, it`s the only thing I like about this place is getting mail." Svitak was 31-years old. Plans are beginning to be set for Svitak`s funeral services. Mason-Woodard Mortuary in Joplin has received word that they will be handling the funeral of the army sergeant sometime next week. Officials at Mason-Woodard are working with the military on the arrangements. Before bringing the body to Joplin a service will be held at Svitak`s army base in Kentucky. An exact date for the funeral has not yet been set, but Mason-Woodard officials say they expect to hold services sometime in the middle of next week.