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Governor Mourns the Loss of Paratrooper
From of Fort Richardson   Printer Friendly

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 09-043

September 14, 2009, Anchorage, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell offered his condolences to the family of a Fort Richardson paratrooper who died from injuries while fighting in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Private First Class Matthew Martinek,” Governor Parnell said. “Matthew served his country with honor and pride, and his courage will never be forgotten.”

Martinek, 20, of DeKalb, Illinois, died on September 11, at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. He was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. Martinek succumbed to injuries he received on September 4, in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, when his military vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device and a rocket-propelled grenade.

A letter of condolence and state flag will be sent to his family.

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