Buford soldier dies in Afghanistan

BAGRAM, AFGHANISTAN - An Army Specialist from Buford died in Afghanistan on Monday as the result of non-combat-related injuries.
 
According to a press release from the New York-based Fort Drum Public Affairs office, Specialist Kyle E. Gilbert, a 10th Mountain Division soldier with the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, passed away in Bagram, Afghanistan.
 
The release did not specify the exact nature of his injuries.
 
Gilbert, who was 24 years old, first joined the Army in April 2013. He completed his initial training at the Georgia-based Fort Benning before being sent to Fort Drum in November that same year.
 
Gilbert's unit was deployed to Afghanistan in June 2014 in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, the U.S. military mission in Afghanistan that supplanted Operation Enduring Freedom.
 
Lt. Col. Michael Kovacevic, the commander of Gilbert's regiment, had this to say about the fallen soldier: "Specialist Gilbert was an exceptional soldier and junior leader in our battalion. He met every mission and challenge with contagious enthusiasm and vigor."
 
He continued: "His family is in our continued thoughts and prayers. His memory will forever remain with those who served with him."
 
Gilbert was a highly-decorated solider at the time of his death. His numerous awards include the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
 
According to the release, Gilbert also completed the Combat Life Savers Course and the Combatives Level 1 Course as part of his extensive training.
 
Gilbert is survived by his mother, father, step-mother and brother.