Pfc. Brett E. Wood

Remember Our Heroes

Pfc. Brett E. Wood, 19, of Spencer, Ind.

Pfc Wood assigned to to 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska; died Sept. 9, 2011 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Pfc Wood graduated from Owen Valley High School in 2010. He enlisted with his older brother Nikk that summer. He reported to Fort Wainwrght in November 2010. He deployed to Afghanistan five months later, in April.

Owen Valley High School principal Rhonda Schafer, who had been one of Brett Wood’s teachers, said, “Just a couple weeks ago, he came here visiting everyone,” Schafer said. “I saw him briefly. He was friends with everyone because he was so outgoing. He got along with all students.”

Pfc Wood came home over the summer to heal from head wounds suffered in another improvised explosive device blast. He continued to suffer from mild headaches and dizziness, but was later cleared to return to active duty and returned to Afghanistan.

Brother Nikk returned from service in Afghanistan on Sept. 12 for his brother's funeral where he read "last word" messages his brother had written for family members and friends. Nikk told mourners he became closer to his younger brother while they served in the Army together.

"He was always the person that was positive," said sister, Amber Poland. “I wish he knew how much I loved him, how much I miss him and how
proud I am of him.”

“We are so thankful for all of the support from the community. People have brought food, flags, flowers and candles. The support has been incredible,” she said, noting that her brother was proud to serve and “cherished life.”

Pfc. Brett E. Wood was killed in action on 9/9/11.