The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Spc. Keith D. Benson, 27, of Brockton, Mass., died Jan. 18, in Paktika province, Afghanistan. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, Grafenwoehr, Germany.
For more information related to this release, media may contact the U.S. Army Europe Public Affairs office at 011-49-6221-57-6685.
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He was serving as a combat medic with the U.S. ArmyIn an email from Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations dated Thursday, Jan. 19, there will be a dignified transfer of Benson’s body upon its arrival at Dover Air Force Base Thursday night 8:45PM
Benson graduated from Norwood High in 2002.
Benson’s next-door neighbor, Alan Bouffard, said he was shocked to hear of the soldier’s death.
“I’m just so sorry. My heart goes out to the family,” Bouffard said. “He was a good kid. He didn’t get himself in trouble, he was friendly, and he had close relationships with all the members of his family.”
Bouffard said Benson took his work seriously, and already had plans for when he returned from serving in Afghanistan in Operation Enduring Freedom.
“He was very interested in the work he was doing in the service (as a medic), and he was interested in becoming an EMT when he got out,” Bouffard said.
Others are remembering Benson on his Facebook page.
“The world has lost an amazing man who had a heart of gold,” wrote Kimberly Butters. “You were always there when I needed a break from reality, and you always could make me laugh when I was down. We reconnected a few months ago, yet I never told you how truly thankful I am for your friendship. I will miss you my friend, you take with you a piece of my heart.”
“It feels like only yesterday we were going to the 2001 Senior Prom, singing in Concert Choral, or just hanging out talking about life,” wrote Marybeth Rodriguez. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for protecting our home.”
Gillooly Funeral Home in Norwood is handling Benson’s funeral arrangements.
According to Gillooly and Norwood’s Veterans Service Office, the family is not commenting at this time.
“The family is requesting privacy during this time of great loss and grief, and there will be no comments from this office,” the veterans office said in a statement Thursday.
Staff writer Brad Cole can be reached at 781-433-8339 or bcole@wickedlocal.com.
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