Small Town News

War in far-off Afghanistan strikes home

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David Wisniewski, WC class of '98, dies of injuries from copter crash

The war in Afghanistan came home to Moville this past week. One of our own, a graduate of Woodbury Central and the son of a former principal at Woodbury Central High School, died from injuries he suffered in a helicopter crash a few weeks ago.

Capt. David Wisniewski, 31, died Friday night at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Bethesda, Md..

Wisniewski was piloting an Air Force Black Hawk helicopter when it was shot down June 9 in southern Afghanistan. A rocket-propelled grenade appears to have downed the craft, the Washington Post reported.

Seven U.S. troops were on the helicopter. Four were killed at the time of the crash.

The Air Force said that David is credited with saving many lives. The Defense Department said during his eight-year career, Wisniewski had logged more than 1,500 flight hours, flown 289 combat hours and saved numerous lives, including several during his most recent deployment to Afghanistan.

Wisniewski was stationed at Nellis Air Force base in Nevada.

The department says a memorial service will be held at Nellis Air Force Base, with burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

David Wisniewski graduated from Woodbury Central Community School before going on to the United States Air Force Academy and flight school. His father, Chet Wisniewski, is Regina's activities director. He was a former high school and elementary school principal in Moville. His mother, Beverly, was an aide at WC.

"The thoughts and prayers of the entire Regina community are with the Wisniewski family at this most difficult time," Regina Catholic Education Center President Carol Trueg said in a statement. "We are grateful for all who risk their lives to protect our freedom, and especially for David Wisniewski, who made the ultimate sacrifice."

Wisniewski was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada and lived in Las Vegas.

He had served five tours in Afghanistan and had been hospitalized in Germany, where he underwent brain surgery. Days later he was flown to Andrews Air Force Base in Bethesda for treatment.

Wisniewski received a Purple Heart for his service June 23, according to the family's website.

Wisniewski turned 31 late last month. Family members celebrated his birthday with Oreo cookies at the hospital, one of Wisniewski's favorite foods, according to a family blog post.

The blog had kept people up with David's condition, and had gotten a lot of comments from Moville residents. The last entry on the blog was made Friday night. It said:

David passed away tonight at 9:12 p.m. central time July 2, 2010 from injuries sustained from the helicopter crash. He passed away peacefully and is with the good Lord taking excellent golf lessons from the greatest golfer ever. Thank you all for the prayers we have all received during this trying time.

He had been transferred to Bethesda from a hospital in Germany, where he had been treated after the accident.

On June 23 the family wrote:

On a happy note he did celebrate his 31st birthday on Sunday. He again had many visitors and many gifts. One of the nurses that has been working with him gave him a bottle of Kahlua and a bag of Oreos. We all know how much Dave liked his Oreos. He also received a box of thin mints from the girl scout cookies collection. I am sure he would really enjoy them instead oj the liquid milk shake he is getting.

And on June 20, this:

David received his purple heart today. It was an experience that I will not soon forget.... I am so very proud of (David) and all the military people that put their lives on the line for our freedoms every day. All military people are heros in my book.

And this thought to all:

Thank you for your continued prayers, thoughts and support! The outpour of support and love for Dave is being felt and is being appreciated more than you will ever know!! Much Love!!



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© 2011 Moville Record Moville, Iowa. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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