ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Two Fort Wainwright Strykers died in Afghanistan Wednesday when their unit was hit by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan’s Kandahar Province, according to Gov. Sean Parnell’s office.
U.S. ArmyAlaska spokesperson Lt. Col. Bill Coppernoll says Spc. James R. Burnett Jr., 21, and Pfc. Matthew C. Colin, 32, both served as infantrymen with the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division at Fort Wainwright.
Burnett, a native of Wichita, Kan., joined the Army in April 2008, completed basic training at Fort
Benning, Ga. and arrived at Fort Wainwright in August 2010. Colin, a native of Navarre, Fla., joined the Army in February 2010, completed basic training at Fort Benning and arrived at Fort Wainwright in September 2010.
“Sandy and I were saddened to learn of the loss of these two young soldiers who served our country with honor and valor,” Parnell said in a Thursday statement. “As we keep their families in our thoughts and prayers, we also remember their fellow Strykers who continue to serve in harm’s way -- we are forever grateful for their service.”
