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June 23, 2010

Mainer in 101st dies overseas

Brandon Silk killed in Afghanistan after being hurt in landing

AUGUSTA (AP) -- A soldier from Maine who was the crew chief of a Black Hawk helicopter has been killed in Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday.

Sgt. Brandon Silk, 25, was killed Monday from injuries suffered during a hard helicopter landing, said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree. Silk served with the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Ky.

Officials did not have additional details surrounding his death. The Department of Defense has not released any information.

Silk grew up in Orono, the oldest of Mark and Lynn Silk's three sons, said Orono High School Assistant Principal Bob Sinclair. Silk's father is a detective with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office of investigations. His mother is a school principal in Milford.

Silk played football and ran track in high school and joined the military upon graduation, Sinclair said.

He was on his fourth tour of duty since 2003. He had previously been deployed to Korea and Iraq and was on his second tour in Afghanistan when he died.

His brothers, David, 22, and Blaine, 18, are guardsmen with the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor.

His family issued a statement saying that he died "honorably and with respect" while serving his country.

"He was a son, a brother, a nephew, and a cousin -- and was well-loved by everyone in this family," the statement read. "We have always been a tight-knit family and Brandon's spirit will live on through memories of his sense of humor, his love for adventure, and the memories he created through his unique, outgoing, strong personality."

On Tuesday, the Silk family received condolences from Gov. John Baldacci and all four members of Maine's congressional delegation.

Baldacci said he will order flags flown at half-staff on the day of Silk's funeral.

"A hole is opened in many lives," the governor said in a statement. "The men and women who serve in the military have earned our respect and our gratitude. In Maine, we're all an extended family. At times like these, we have to reach out and take care of one another. Sgt. Silk was a hero, and we will honor his life and his sacrifice."

The Bangor Daily News contributed to this report.

 

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