Wasilla soldier killed in Afghanistan

Private First Class Hansen Kirkpatrick, a 19-year-old Wasilla man, died July 3 from what is being reported as an indirect fire attack in Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense.

The Pentagon confirmed Wednesday that Kirkpatrick died from wounds he received in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. Indirect fire is an attack with shells launched from a mortar. Kirkpatrick joined the Army in June 2016. He was a member of the U.S. Army’s 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, based at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Gov. Bill Walker ordered that both United States and Alaska flags be immediately lowered to half-staff Wednesday.

The battalion deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan earlier this year for a “train, advise, and assist mission,” an effort to continue training and supporting Afghan security forces in a war that is about to complete its 16th year, according to the Department of Defense. According to reports, Kirkpatrick was in a building when a Taliban mortar round struck the roof and exploded inside. Pentagon officials did not say which militant group in Afghanistan was responsible. Soldiers returned fire after the explosion, killing two Taliban militants and wounding a few others.

The incident comes as the Pentagon is planning to deploy several thousand more troops to Afghanistan in an effort to roll back Taliban gains. An announcement is expected later this month. As of July 3, 2017, 39 American soldiers have been killed in Operation Freedom Sentinel, according to the Department of Defense casualty statistics. Of that total, 26 were killed in action and 13 in nonhostile contact, according to DoD.

“PFC Hansen Kirkpatrick served honorably as a mortarman in 1-36 Infantry, the Spartans,” said Maj. James C. Bithorn, executive officer, Stryker Brigade Combat Team. “He was a caring, disciplined, and intelligent young Soldier who daily lived the Spartan motto of ‘Deeds Not Words.’ His service in the battalion spanned just over 12 months – a period of intense operational tempo – that culminated in a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel/Resolute Support. He will be missed greatly by his fellow Soldiers and leaders alike,” said Bithorn.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with PFC Kirkpatrick’s family and loved ones,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Landes, 1st Armored Division deputy commanding general. “As there is no stronger bond than that between Soldiers, the Army and 1st Armored Division mourn the loss as a family.”

“At a time when we remember the patriots who founded our nation in freedom, we are saddened by the loss of one of our comrades who was here protecting our freedom at home,” General John Nicholson, commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, said in a statement. “We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers as we reflect on the sacrifice he and others have made to secure our freedoms and help make Afghanistan a better place.”

Social media posts have been popping up from across the country, including one from Kirkpatrick’s mother Anngel Norkist, who posted “Please seriously stop! Take a moment. Realize that real actual blood dropped on a battlefield for YOU . That's what the red symbolizes on our flag. My son just died today… over on some nasty, dry battlefield in a far off land. His life was cut short at only 19. Stop and really give thanks for all those who gave and continue to give us our freedoms we so easily take for freakin granted.

NO! Do not comment and say how sorry you are! I don't care!! Actions speak louder than words , so GO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!”

A fellow 19-year old soldier wrote on Facebook: “Hardest day of my life but I’m living for both of us now brother.” A friend from Anchorage wrote on Facebook, “I lost a great mentor and a good friend today. His name is Hansen Kirkpatrick. I will show my appreciation to you for serving our country. Rest in peace my brother. I’ll keep your loved ones in my prayers.”

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com