Home : Military :

Continuing
Coverage

null

Photo

Sgt. Dennis Weichel Jr. of Providence, R.I. (Weichel Family Photo)

Regular Photo Size

Military News

Chilton veterans memorial needs donations for construction

Chilton vets memorial needs donations

Veterans groups in Chilton want to honor Calumet County service…

Soldier in sexual assault office accused of abuse

Soldier accused of sexual abuse

The Army says the coordinator of a sexual assault prevention …

Wisconsin Guard unit heading to Poland

Almost 100 men and women from the Wisconsin Air National Guard …

3 relieved of command in Marine training accident

3 relieved of command in accident

Three officers at Camp Lejeune have been relieved of command …

CG reexamines use of live goats

One year after a video surfaced showing government contractors …

Military: RI soldier died after saving Afghan girl

29-year-old Sgt. Dennis Weichel Jr.

Updated: Thursday, 29 Mar 2012, 7:34 AM CDT
Published : Thursday, 29 Mar 2012, 7:34 AM CDT

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Military officials say a Rhode Island National Guard member struck and killed by an armored vehicle in Afghanistan last week had moved an Afghan girl to safety shortly before the accident.

The National Guard on Wednesday released details of the March 22 accident that killed 29-year-old Sgt. Dennis Weichel Jr. of Providence and called him a hero.

Officials say Weichel's unit was in Laghman province when they encountered several Afghan children in the path of their convoy. They say Weichel saw a girl trying to retrieve an item under the armored vehicle and moved her to safety, then was struck.

Visiting hours are set for 4 p.m. Sunday at Olson & Parent Funeral Home in Providence. He will be buried at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.