Douglas Hughes

New Zealand soldier Corporal Douglas Hughes, age 26, died on April 3, 2012, in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan, of a non-combat related incident. 

The cause of his death has not been released as of this posting. 

He was a rifleman from 1st Battalion Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment based in Linton Military Camp, near Palmerston North, and had also served in the Solomon Islands. Douglas served eight years in the Defence Force and was on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

He was known as "Dougie" to his family, friends and comrades. He was unmarried and had no children. 

Father, place Douglas on
the road to Heaven

Douglas went to live with his aunt, Anne Hughes, and her family in Tuakau, south of Auckland, New Zealand, when he was 14. He attended Tuakau College where he excelled. He played rugby and was passionate about kapa haka and his Maori culture. 

Family members said that he was determined to join the military and that they are proud of his success in the army and being a good role model. 

Friends describe Douglas as a popular, caring, and generous man. He was always laughing and teasing his friends.

Douglas is survived by many loving friends and relatives. 

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