HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-11-21 Mayor Kim Expresses Condolences to Family of Hawaii Soldier Killed in Helicopter Crash in Afghanistan -- press release
Wil Okabe
Managing Director
Harry Kim
Mayor
Barbara J. Kossow
Deputy Managing Director
County of Hawai‘i
Office of the Mayor
25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603 Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720 (808) 961-8211 Fax (808) 961-6553
KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740
(808) 323-4444 Fax (808) 323-4440
November 21, 2019
NEWS RELEASE
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.
County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.
County of Hawai`i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.