Published: June 30, 2008 11:30 am         

Goshen native killed in Afghanistan

Goshen native Travis Hunsberger was killed in Lamay, Afghanistan, Friday after striking a pressure-plated improvised explosive device while on foot during combat reconnaisance patrol, according to U.S. Army Special Operations Command.

Staff Sgt. Hunsberger, 24, was a 2002 graduate of NorthWood High School, where he was on the soccer team.

“He was fully committed to his family, his friends and his career,” his family said in a written statement. “He was a soldier who unwaveringly placed our country before himself; he was honored to serve with his fellow soldiers, proud to serve in the United States Army and grateful to be an American.”

His parents, Steve and Ronda Hunsberger, of Goshen, were notified of his death Saturday.

“He loved his family with his whole heart,” Ronda Hunsberger said.

Hunsberger enlisted four years ago after two years at Ball State University, his mother said. He was on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan and had been injured twice.

Hunsberger had been married for less than two years. He had his wife, Hannah, invited his parents to Fort Bragg, N.C., last Christmas to witness a re-enactment of their wedding. Travis and Hannah had a small private wedding before his first deployment.

“It was a special, special ceremony,” his father said.

Hunsberger was remembered Sunday during services at Wakarusa Missionary Church.

“Serving in the military for his country is what brought him his greatest happiness,” Associate Pastor Kent Norr said. “He was a very fine and upstanding young man, strong in his faith.”

Hunsberger was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha senior communications sergeant assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). He volunteered for the Army in 2004 as a Special Forces candidate.

In 2006 he earned the “Green Beret.” His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V” device, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and the Special Forces Tab.

His family members also said in their statement that they thank everyone who has offered condolences and they “appreciate your continued prayers and support.”

He is survived by his wife, Hannah, of Fayetteville, N.C.; parents Steven and Ronda Hunsberger, Goshen; brother Kyle Hunsberger, Goshen; and sister Kelsey Hunsberger, Goshen.

Funeral arrangements were not immediately available.

Hunsberger is the 20th person from Indiana to die as a result of action in Afghanistan or Pakistan since U.S. anti-terrorism operations began there in late 2001.