* There was recently a thread about a DU member who lost a friend in Afghanistan. That thread was discussed on this board. I posted the message below on the thread. But I was saddened that the death of my friend was regarded as a lie. So I'm posting this as an original thread so everyone sees it and to set the record straight in honor of my friend. Take care, all*
I came across this post and many here felt it was a lie. My friend was killed in Afghanistan, she was a 2nd Lt in the ANG. When she was killed she was in Afghanistan working as an intelligence contractor, not in her capacity as a Guard member.
Here is a story regarding her death.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/news/news/local/fairborn-contractor-died-from-gunshot-wound-invest/nWSrY/The investigation behind the shooting is still ongoing. It appears, at this time, that is was not from a hostile. She received a gunshot wound to the back of her head that severed her spinal column. She was flown to a hospital in Germany where she was declared brain dead. She was kept on the respirator long enough for her father to get to Germany and see her before she died (her other family members had arrived earlier). At the time her injury was not made known, officially, to the public as the details were not out with the press. But her family was made aware through phone calls, and then some of her friends were called by her brother. That is why it was not listed on the news at the time of my post on DU. And as she was not serving in a Guard capacity when she was killed, it was not on the DoD registry. Still, she was an USAF ANG officer and a contractor trying to make Afghanistan a better place. She worked very hard to make something with her life.
Her brother's fraternity, of which he is the President, is collecting money to help her family with the unexpected travel expenses incurred, as well as help with the funeral arrangements.
http://www.wsudelts.org/They have already raised about $6,000 for her family. They are working with media and non-profits on this so be assured that all funds will go towards the family. If you would like to donate, I would consider it a personal favor.
Thank you,
Midwest Irish