REAL HEROS WEAR DOG TAGS

The U.S. soldier who gave his own life to save an Afghan girl last week, displayed a compelling act of heroism.  Sgt. Dennis Weichel, 29, died in Afghanistan after rushing in to save an Afghan child who was in the path of a military vehicle barreling down a road.  Weichel, a Rhode Island National Guardsman, was riding along in a convoy in Laghman Province in eastern Afghanistan when some children were spotted playing on the road ahead. The children were picking up shell casings lying on the road to recycled for money. Weichel and other soldiers got out of their vehicles to get the children out of the way of the oncoming convoy of trucks. The children were moved to safety, but the young Afghan child darted back onto the road to pick up more casings.  Weichel spotted the girl and quickly moved to get her out of the way.  He succeeded, but not before he was hit by a heavily armored truck.  The little girl was safe, but Weichel died of his injuries.


Lt. Col. Denis Riel, a spokesman for the Rhode Island National Guard, said Weichel embodied values that can’t be taught. “I have heard nothing but incredible stuff about this kid, selfless beyond our core values that we live up to,” Riel said.  “As I hear more from family and others, he was the living embodiment of the Army’s core values: courageous, selfless and loyal.  All values we expect from our soldiers.  We mourn all combat deaths, but this one is a significant loss.” 


Last December, Sgt. Dennis Weichel, was one of the soldiers spotlighted on national television when he surprised his own children, by showing up unexpectedly at their school.  He was able to spend a few days over the holidays with them before deploying to Afghanistan.  "There is nothing that means more to me in the world than my children." He said holding his children in his arms.  The story of his life has touched the hearts of many across the world and Sgt. Dennis Weichel will always be remember for his courageous sacrifice in the line of duty.  Real heros don't wear capes, they wear dog tags. Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day