Goshen native Travis Hunsberger was killed in Lamay, Afghanistan, Friday after striking a pressure-plated improvised explosive device while on foot during combat reconnaisance patrol, according to U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
Staff Sgt. Hunsberger, 24, was a 2002 graduate of NorthWood High School, where he was on the soccer team.
“He was fully committed to his family, his friends and his career,” his family said in a written statement. “He was a soldier who unwaveringly placed our country before himself; he was honored to serve with his fellow soldiers, proud to serve in the United States Army and grateful to be an American.”
His parents, Steve and Ronda Hunsberger, of Goshen, were notified of his death Saturday.
“He loved his family with his whole heart,” Ronda Hunsberger said.
Hunsberger enlisted four years ago after two years at Ball State University, his mother said. He was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan and had been injured twice.
Hunsberger had been married for less than two years. He had his wife, Hannah, invited his parents to Fort Bragg, N.C., last Christmas to witness a re-enactment of their wedding. Travis and Hannah had a small private wedding before his first deployment.
“It was a special, special ceremony,” his father said.
Hunsberger was remembered Sunday during services at Wakarusa Missionary Church.
“Serving in the military for his country is what brought him his greatest happiness,” Associate Pastor Kent Norr said. “He was a very fine and upstanding young man, strong in his faith.”
Hunsberger was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha senior communications sergeant assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He volunteered for the Army in 2004 as a Special Forces candidate.
In 2006 he earned the “Green Beret.” His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab.
His family members also said in their statement that they thank everyone who has offered condolences and they “appreciate your continued prayers and support.”
He is survived by his wife, Hannah, of Fayetteville, N.C.; parents Steven and Ronda Hunsberger, Goshen; brother Kyle Hunsberger, Goshen; and sister Kelsey Hunsberger, Goshen.
Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.
Hunsberger is the 20th person from Indiana to die as a result of action in Afghanistan or Pakistan since U.S. anti-terrorism operations began there in late 2001.
Breaking News
Related Photos
Goshen native killed in Afghanistan
- Breaking News
-
-
New library rental fees set
The Middlebury Town Council amended the Middlebury Public Library's community room use policy Monday, with the primary change being an increase in rental fees for the library's three community rooms.
-
Local artists win at regionals
Five NorthWood High School students won at the 2012 Northwest Indiana & Lower Southwest Michigan Region of The Alliance for Young Writers & Artists.
-
Indiana lawmakers return to action after Super Bowl break
After a time-out to accommodate out-of-town Super Bowl visitors, the Indiana General Assembly is back in session to tackle legislation that had been bottlenecked by a contentious labor bill.
-
CITY COUNCIL: Housing Authority’s crisis packs the house
Mayor Allan Kauffman’s request to provide the beleaguered Goshen Housing Authority with an emergency infusion of $571,050 was passed by the City Council in an initial step toward approval, but there is much more discussion expected before a final vote.
-
CITY COUNCIL: First hurdle cleared for $571,050 in Goshen Housing Authority relief
Mayor Allan Kauffman’s request to provide the beleaguered Goshen Housing Authority with an emergency infusion of $571,050 was passed by City Council in an initial vote Tuesday, but there is much more discussion expected before a final vote.
-
UPDATE: Police release name of Fort Wayne man killed in crash
GOSHEN — One driver was killed and another hurt when a Ford SUV collided with a Chevrolet HHR at C.R.s 15 and 32 at 4:50 p.m. Tuesday.
-
Preschool mothers to host film about faith
Harvest Community Church will present “A Courageous Night: Dinner and A Movie” Feb. 11.
-
More work on new bike trail approved
An amendment to a contract with S & L Builders, Millersburg, was approved Monday by the Goshen Board of Public Works and Safety, to have S & L perform additional work on a bicycle/pedestrian path on West Washington Street near the Millrace Powerhouse project for $7,332.
-
Indianapolis organizers considering asking for another Super Bowl
If praise and adulation could put points on the scoreboard, then Indianapolis had a blowout victory hosting its first Super Bowl.
-
Mother donates funds to the Crossing in memory of her son
Sherrie Lovely knows what it means to lose a troubled child, and she’s willing to do whatever it takes to see that others are spared that awful experience.
- More Breaking News Headlines
-
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
