Hoosier Marine killed in Afghanistan Saturday
Sgt. Bradley W. Atwell killed in Helmand province
Sgt. Bradley W. Atwell
(Photo courtesy: www.marines.mil)
Posted: 09/17/2012
Last Updated:
245 days ago
KOKOMO, Ind. - A Hoosier marine was killed in Afghanistan Saturday, according to the Department of Defense.
Sgt. Bradley W. Atwell, 27, from Kokomo, died while supporting combat operations in the Helmand province, the DOD said. Atwell was assigned to the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13.
Officials confirmed Atwell was killed in the Taliban attack at a British base, in which attackers dressed in U.S. Army uniforms and infiltrated the camp.
Atwell was one of two U.S. marines killed in the attack. Atwell's commanding officer, Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible, 40, of Huntingdon, Pa., was also killed.
Six American fighter jets were destroyed in the attack.
"We're just going to miss him so much," said Atwell's mother, Cheryl Atwell. "He was well liked as a youngster, as a young adult and as military personnel."
"He was the best big brother anybody could ever ask for," Atwell's sister, Erin Atwell Riedel, said. "He was such a good and smart boy, and he turned into an amazing man. He's definitely a hero. He has a special place in my heart."
Atwell was a 2003 graduate of Taylor High School.
"He certainly was one of the best students, best human beings that ever walked through these halls," said Principal Eric Hartman.
"He was my first-born, and I'll miss him dearly. But I'm so proud of him," Cheryl Atwell said.
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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