Army Specialist Chris Kleinwachter

Remember Our Heroes

Army Specialist Chris Kleinwachter, 29, of Wahpeton, N.D.

Spc. Kleinwachter was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery, Grand Forks, N.D.; died Nov. 30 of injuries sustained when his vehicle rolled over during combat operations in Ghazni, Afghanistan.

Relatives of Chris Kleinwachter said he was a go-getter who put the needs of others in front of his own.

"One of Christopher's greatest attributes was his care for other people," said his mother, Carmen. "He was always attempting to bring peace to those in conflict. ... Add to this his great sense of humor, and you can get a glimpse into my son."

Bismarck, N.D. - Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, Adjutant General of the North Dakota National Guard, announced today that a Soldier from the Grand Forks based 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery (Security Forces-SECFOR), was killed in action in eastern Afghanistan on Thursday, Nov. 29. The Soldier was participating in military convoy operations in the Ghazni province when the vehicle he was riding in was involved in a rolled-over.

Cpl. Christopher K. Kleinwachter, 29, of Wahpeton, died of injuries as a result of this accident.

"Mikey and I are joined by all North Dakotans in mourning the loss of Cpl. Christopher Kleinwachter, who died in the service of his nation in Afghanistan," said Governor Hoeven. "We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends, and offer our support in their time of grieving. On behalf of all North Dakotans, our hearts and prayers go out to them."

"I know that North Dakotans are saddened as well as members of the North Dakota National Guard at the loss of one of our own,"" said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk. "Cpl. Christopher Kleinwachter lost his life in service to this country. I am very proud of what he stood for and he will be remembered as a great Soldier and will be missed by everyone."

Maj. Gen. Sprynczynatyk visited the Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 188th Air Defense Artillery in Sept. He says the unit is very close knit and his comrades are now mourning his loss.

"They've had a "fallen comrade" memorial service in Afghanistan for Cpl. Kleinwachter. It's a hard time for them. Losing two members of their unit in a short time is tough as it is for the Kleinwachter family and those of us here in North Dakota."

Cpl. Kleinwachter, a native of Grand Forks, enlisted into the North Dakota Army National Guard while still a senior in high school. After graduation from Grand Forks Central High School, he reported to basic training at Ft. Sill, Okla. He completed basic training and advanced individual training in 1995. He was serving as a power generator equipment repairer.

His military awards include the Combat Action Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal and the North Dakota Legion of Merit medal.

Kleinwachter is survived by his mother, Carmen A. Kleinwachter, Crookston, Minn.; his father, Clare R. Kleinwachter, Wahpeton; and his brother Creg Kleinwachter, also of Wahpeton.

Army Specialist Chris Kleinwachter was killed in action on 11/30/06.