Rhode Island Guardsman dies saving Afghan girl

[ameriken]

This story just breaks my heart. During this time after the killing of civilians in AG, I hope the Afghan people can appreciate this soldier and see a different face of the American Soldier. I'm sure Rocky (Rhode Island) is already quite familiar with the story.

Rhode Island Guardsman died saving Afghan girl

By Larry Shaughnessy, CNN
March 29, 2012 -- Updated 0232 GMT (1032 HKT)


Spc. Dennis Weichel, 29, of Providence, Rhode Island, died saving the life of a little girl in Afghanistan.


STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Spc. Dennis Weichel was in a convoy in Laghman Province
• He saw a huge armored vehicle bearing down on a girl picking up shell casings
• Weichel moved the girl but was run over by the truck
• Rhode Island governor orders flags flown at half-staff

(CNN) -- After the news of a U.S. soldier charged with murdering Afghan civilians, mostly women and children, the story of Spc. Dennis Weichel of the Rhode Island National Guard bears telling.

The official Pentagon news release says he died "from injuries suffered in a noncombat related incident." But there is much more to the story. Weichel, 29, of Providence, died saving the life of a little girl.

According to the Rhode Island National Guard and the U.S. Army, Weichel was in a convoy a week ago with his unit in Laghman Province, in northeast Afghanistan. Some children were in the road in front of the convoy, and Weichel and other troops got out to move them out of the way.

Most of the children moved, but one little girl went back to pick up some brass shell casings in the road. Afghan civilians often recycle the casings, and the girl appeared to aim to do that. But a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle was moving toward her, according to Lt. Col. Denis Riel of the Rhode Island National Guard.

MRAPs, as they are known, usually weigh more than 16 tons.
Weichel saw massive truck bearing down on the girl and grabbed her out of the way. But in the process, the armored truck ran him over, Riel said.

The little girl is fine. Weichel died a short time later of his injuries.

"He was a big kid at heart. He always had a smile on his face, and he made everyone laugh," 1st Sgt. Nicky Peppe, who served with Weichel in Iraq, is quoted as saying in an Army story. "But as much as Weichel was funny, he was also a professional. When it was time to go outside the wire for a combat patrol, he was all business."

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee has ordered flags in the state lowered to half-staff until Weichel, who was posthumously promoted to sergeant, is laid to rest Monday.

Weichel is survived by his parents, his fiancee and three children. His family will receive Weichel's Bronze Star and other awards for his sacrifice.

http://edition.cnn.com/2012/03/28/us...ath/?hpt=us_c2

[Marinemom32]

I heard about this on the news, it a truely heartbreaking story.

[Rocky C]

RIP Dennis...

The accolades for Weichel's bravery have been pouring in.

"Dennis' actions in defense of the lives of vulnerable civilians, embody the most noble spirit, service, sacrifice and loyalty," said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, (D) Rhode Island.

Governor Lincoln Chafee has ordered the flags lowered to half staff in honor of SGT. Weichel.

“Specialist Dennis Weichel’s life was marked by bravery, selflessness, and commitment to others – and unfortunately it was in demonstrating these remarkable characteristics that it was lost. Specialist Weichel will be remembered by his fellow soldiers and commanding officers as a dedicated member of the Rhode Island National Guard."

Chafee continued, "He will be remembered by friends and family as a devoted father to Nicholas, Hope, and Madison and a beloved son to Linda and Dennis. And he will be remembered, and mourned, by people across our state as a great Rhode Islander.

Specialist Weichel will be deeply missed, and his loved ones are in my thoughts during this difficult time. I hope that they are able to find some comfort in their many fine memories of him.”

Sergeant Weichel's body is scheduled to arrive back in Rhode Island Saturday morning. His wake will be held Sunday, April 1 at the Olson and Parent Funeral Home on Plainfield Street in Providence from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The funeral will be held Monday at Swan Point Cemetery Chapel, but the National Guard said seating will be limited there. Sergeant Weichel will be laid to rest at The Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.

Sergeant Weichel has been posthumously awarded with the Bronze Star, the nation’s fourth highest award for bravery, the Afghanistan Campaign Ribbon, and the NATO Service Medal.

He has also been awarded the Rhode Island Star, the state’s second highest military award.

Sergeant Weichel was also posthumously promoted to that rank on March 26, 2012.

[acg8276]

It is a shame when stories ike this don't get nearly the attention or air time of the negative ones. It is truely a shame the soldier had to die to save the little girl but it is a testament to all that is good about our country and what we'd like to accomplish over there. Even though we are not well recieved for the most part.

[YLDNDN6]

I agree. I think this young man more closely exemplifies the American fighting man than the unfortunate soul who murdered those civilians. This should be the biggest story on the wires right now.

[Marinemom32]

It is a shame when stories ike this don't get nearly the attention or air time of the negative ones. It is truely a shame the soldier had to die to save the little girl but it is a testament to all that is good about our country and what we'd like to accomplish over there. Even though we are not well recieved for the most part.

I completely agree! Seems the media only wants to talk about the bad things that happen..never wan the public to see the good that is happeneing

[acg8276]

Hell, the stories not even getting much action on here.

[ameriken]

Yeah, pretty sad. The only thing I saw about it was a story that aired about it a few times on CNN, and that's when I found something to post here. I thought it would have legs here, but apparantly not.

[Rocky C]

Just got back from Sgt. Dennis Weichel's Furneral and Burial at the RI Veterans Cemetary in Exeter.

There were hundreds and hundreds of people there.
Rhode Island is a small State where almost everyone knows someone.

So sad........

RIP Sgt.

Thank you for Your Service and Sacrifice.
My Prayers go out to You, Your Family, Your Children and Friends....

[Marinemom32]

He seems like an amazing person, to be so self-less in what he did. I'm so sad for his children, that they will not have him around in thier life, and his financee. God Bless him and his family.

[ameriken]

He seems like an amazing person, to be so self-less in what he did. I'm so sad for his children, that they will not have him around in thier life, and his financee. God Bless him and his family.

Agreed Mm, and I hope somehow, some way, this girl can take this gift of life she got from him and do some good with it in her lifetime to honor this mans sacrifice.

Thanks for the updates Rocky.

[acg8276]

He seems like an amazing person, to be so self-less in what he did. I'm so sad for his children, that they will not have him around in thier life, and his financee. God Bless him and his family.

Sad and tragic. The Gaurdsman and many others deserve much more attention for their sacrifice but unfortunately bad behavior trumps good behavior any day in the news room. If we gave cash to each family member reportedly killed by the guy who had a melt down a few weeks ago are we (our government) going to do the right thing for Sgt. Weichels family? Or perhaps the Aphgan government would like to step up and show their appreciation for his selfless sacrifice.

[Marinemom32]

Acg, Agreed! but I doubt very seriously this young mans family will see any type of compensation from the the Afgan government. And sadly, i doubt that our government will do anything for this young solider's family. But I am sure from what Rhode Island has said that this state will rally behind this family and help them with anything that they need.

[ridingcrops]

Truely a heart felt story. But I think back to Nam and when you saw them picking up shell casings it was so they could crimp them and reload. Just saying.