RI soldier killed in Afghanistan

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - A soldier from Rhode Island was killed in a non-combat related incident in Afghanistan.

Spc. Dennis P. Weichel Jr., 29, of Providence, was killed on March 22, 2012 in Laghman province.

Weichel, a father of three, was overseas supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 143rd Infantry Regiment, 56th Troop Command, Rhode Island National Guard in East Greenwich.

Governor Lincoln Chafee has ordered the flags lowered to half staff in honor of Spc. Weichel.

“Specialist Dennis Weichel’s life was marked by bravery, selflessness, and commitment to others – and unfortunately it was in demonstrating these remarkable characteristics that it was lost. Specialist Weichel will be remembered by his fellow soldiers and commanding officers as a dedicated member of the Rhode Island National Guard."

Chafee continued, "He will be remembered by friends and family as a devoted father to Nicholas, Hope, and Madison and a beloved son to Linda and Dennis. And he will be remembered, and mourned, by people across our state as a great Rhode Islander. Specialist Weichel will be deeply missed, and his loved ones are in my thoughts during this difficult time. I hope that they are able to find some comfort in their many fine memories of him.”