Army Spc. Spencer C. Duncan

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. Spencer C. Duncan, 21, of Olathe, Kan.

Spc Duncan was assigned to 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), U.S. Army Reserve, New Century, Kan.; died Aug. 6, 2011 in Wardak province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when the CH-47 Chinook helicopter in which he was riding was shot down.

Door gunner loved job but missed Kansas
The Associated Press

A 21-year-old Kansas soldier was among 30 U.S. troops killed when a helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan and one of three troops killed from the same Army reserve unit — Bravo Company, 7th Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment, based at New Century AirCenter in Gardner, Kan.

Spc. Spencer C. Duncan of Olathe was serving as a door gunner on the CH-47 helicopter that was hit by rocket fire Aug. 6, according to Chief Warrant Officer Michael Walsh.

Duncan, who graduated from Olathe South High School, had written to friends about how much he loved working as a door gunner on a Chinook helicopter. But The Kansas City Star reported that he also told friends that he missed Kansas sunsets and lying in a truck bed listening to the radio and cuddling with his sweetie.

Spc Duncan joined the Army Reserves after graduating from Olathe South High School in 2008.

After basic training at Fort Knox, KY, he completed Advance Individual Training as a Medium Helicopter Repairman at Fort Eustis, VA. He worked at the Aviation Support Facility at New Center AirCenter first as an aircraft mechanic, then later trained to become a Chinook door gunner. He deployed to Afghanistan in March.

Friends said he had written and talked about how much he loved working as a door gunner on a Chinook helicopter. He also told friends that he missed Kansas sunsets, lying in a truck bed listening to the radio and cuddling with his sweetie.

"He really enjoyed it. I talked to him a few times about it when I was deployed," friend Matthew Oskvig said.

"People that did know him are already getting closer, talking about it, helping each other out. They did something most people won't do. Give them respect that they deserve for what they've done for their country," Oskvig said.

A former Bravo Company commander, Lt. Col. "Tank" Sherman, said that the other members of the unit are dealing with the tragedy as best they can. "They're coping with it amongst themselves, but they know they still gotta go out there and get the job done," Sherman said.

Another Chinook helicopter at the base will be used in a ceremony to honor the fallen troops. Bravo Company members want everyone to know about the members who died, which is why the memorial is open to the public. "We're proud of what they did and we want people around here to know what these normal citizens that volunteer their own time, secondary job, they come out and do this and when called upon and they go overseas and do everything that they're asked to do, and it comes back to the saying all gave some, some gave all," Sherman said.

August 18, 2011
Thank You for your service Spencer, your life was cut short in this world...now you shall live with the Lord forever. My prayers to the family, loved ones and friends of another hero.~ Debra, Red Rock, Arizona

August 18, 2011
It brings tears to this old vets eyes. To lose such a young hero, with so much to look forward to. I was at the airport the day that he came home. I was the one on his knees, saying a prayer for Him and his mom and dad.~Jim O'Sullivan, Olathe, Kansas

August 17, 2011
Spencer was a resident at Carlyle apartments in shawnee. All the staff appreciate the sacrific he made for our country and our heart and prayers go out to his friends and family. When he left to go over seas we told him we would be praying for him and we still do. But he is in a better place right now. I pray his family know that they will always have a gaurdian angel.~Carlyle apartment Homes Staff, Shawnee, Kansas

August 16, 2011
We were so honored to stand in the flag line for your son today. We too lost our son, in Iraq, and deeply understand the pride and pain you are going through. Our prayers are supporting you as you go through this trial...God will hold you and be your strenght when you think you can't bear one more thing.~Donna Ashley, Independence, Missouri

Spc Duncan was laid to rest at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery on Thursday, August 18.

Spc Duncan is survived by his parents, Megan and Dale; two brothers, Tanner, who is a Marine, and Calder; and beloved dog, Dixie.

Army Spc. Spencer C. Duncan was killed in action on 8/6/11.