Soldiers die in Afghanistan

XVIII Abn. Corps and Fort Bragg PAO

	Johnson

The Department of Defense announced this week the deaths of three Soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Specialist Joseph Johnson, 24, of Flint, Mich., and Pfc. Gunnar Hotchkin, 31, of Naperville, Ill., died June 16 in Isa Khan, Kunduz Province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when their vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device.  Johnson and Hotchkin were assigned to the 161st Engineer Support Company, 27th Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, Fort Bragg.

Spc. Scott A. Andrews, 21, of Fall River, Mass., died Monday at Forward Operating Base Lagman, Zabul province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 618th Engineer Support Company, 27th Eng. Bn., 20th Eng. Bde., Fort Bragg.

	Hotchkin

Johnson enlisted in the Army in November 2006, where he served with Co. B, 27th Eng. Bn. as an engineer equipment operator. In 2008, Johnson was assigned to the 161st Eng. Support Co., 27th Eng. Bn. When his unit was alerted for deployment, Johnson became a team leader for route clearance operations. He deployed in December 2009.

Johnson’s military schools include Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training and the Basic Airborne Course.

	Andrews

“Specialist Johnson was a charismatic, natural leader with a quick wit and smile,” said Capt. Andy Glenn, company commander for the 161st Eng. Support Co. “He always fought to be a dismount on patrols, to be one of the Soldiers that actually looked for the IEDs. Specialist Johnson took time everyday to help teach and train others. He always placed the mission and his fellow Soldiers ahead of himself.”

Johnson is survived by his wife and his parents.

Hotchkin enlisted in the Army in March 2009. His first assignment was with the 161st Eng. Support Co., in October 2009. He served as an engineer equipment operator and gunner during route clearance operations. He also deployed in December 2009. This was the Soldier’s first deployment.

Hotchkin’s military schools include Basic Combat Training, Advanced Individual Training and the Basic Airborne Course.

“Private First Class Hotchkin was truly a rising star in the company,” said Glenn. “He was mature and very hard working. “Pfc. Hotchkin always went to great lengths to help his team and squad at every turn.”

Hotchkin is survived by his wife and their three children.

Andrews’ first assignment was with the 618th Eng. Support Co. at Fort Bragg. He served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic during route clearance operations. This was the Soldier’s first deployment.

“Specialist Andrews was an absolutely stellar Soldier and mechanic,” said Capt. Steve Holmberg, 618th Eng. Support Co. commander. “There is nothing Specialist Andrews couldn’t fix and he would burn the ‘midnight oil’ regularly to accomplish the mission. It was a true pleasure having him around. I always looked forward to walking to the motor pool and seeing him. He always had a smile on his face, was ready for any challenge and always went above and beyond to get the job done,” Holmberg said. “This is a loss that this company and the Army will feel for years to come.”

Andrews is survived by his father, Alfred Andrews and mother, Joann.

Memorial and funeral arrangements for the Soldiers have yet to be determined.

Share