Dennis Weichel Jr.

Spc. Dennis P. Weichel Jr., age 29, of Providence, Rhode Island, died on March 22, 2012, in Laghman province, Afghanistan, from injuries suffered in a noncombat related incident. 

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

Dennis was riding along as part of a convoy when they spotted children on the road ahead. The children were collecting empty shell casings to be recycled for money. Dennis and the other soldiers quickly moved the children out of the way of the following trucks, but Dennis saw one girl dash back onto the road and managed to grab her to safety but was then struck by an armoured vehicle moments later.  He later died from his injuries.

Angels of God, pray for Dennis.  Pray for
all those who die coming to the aid of others.

Dennis was a member of the National Guard since 2001. He was deployed to Iraq in 2005. 

Officials stated that Dennis' life was marked by bravery, selflessness, and commitment to others.

Dennis is survived by many loving friends and relatives including his parents, Linda and Dennis; his girlfriend, and his young children, Nicholas, Hope and Madison. 

Pray for all who die while coming to the aid of others. Dennis and others like him, are the true heroes in this world. 

Let us pray to God the Father, Jesus, all of the saints and all of the angels that Dennis Weichel Jr. is in heaven. Let us pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen