Mayor Kim Expresses Condolences to Family of Hawai‘i Soldier Killed in Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan
Mayor Kim Expresses Condolences to Family of Hawai‘i Soldier Killed in Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan
Mayor Harry Kim expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kirk T. Fuchigami, a U.S. Army soldier from Kea’au killed on November 20 in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan.
Fuchigami, 25, and Chief Warrant Officer 2 David C. Knadle, from Tarrant, Texas, 33, died in the crash in Logar Province while providing security for troops on the ground as part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, according to news reports.
“There is such an emptiness and deep sadness of hearing of the loss of a son of Hawai‘i, especially in war,” Mayor Kim said. “I ask for a prayer of support and love for his family and friends.”
The Department of Defense provided this background information on Fuchigami: “Fuchigami, whose home of record is listed as Keaau, Hawaii, was assigned to 1st Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. He entered active duty in May 2017 and following his initial training, he was assigned to 1-227th in October 2018 where he served as an Apache Helicopter pilot. Fuchigami’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge and Army Aviator Badge.”
According to the Department of Defense, Fuchigami deployed to Afghanistan in October 2019.
