Wednesday, May 30, 2007

to the friends and family of first lieutenant keith heidtman


my most heartfelt sympathy goes out to you. my thoughts and prayers are with you. i am so very sorry for your loss




by News Channel 8's Sara Welch


Norwich-WTNH) _ A Norwich soldier was killed in action in Iraq on Memorial Day, about six months after he was deployed.
Twenty-four year old First Lieutenant Keith Heidtman died in a helicopter crash, and as America remembered its fallen heroes, a Norwich family would learn of their own personal loss.
"It's a tough time and a shock to all of us. We've worried about him everyday since he's been there," said Keith's uncle Chris Heidtman.
At Norwich Free Academy, where Heidtman excelled in academics and athletics, former mentor Hugh Campbell remembered an outstanding young man.
"It's like losing one of your own," said Campbell. "Keith exemplified everything that is good about young people."..........
NORWICH, Conn. -- A helicopter crash in Iraq on Memorial Day claimed the life of a Norwich soldier, the governor's office said Tuesday.
Army 1st Lt. Keith Heidtman, 24, was the 37th military member with Connecticut ties to die since the war began in 2002. Two Connecticut civilians have also been killed. Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered all state and U.S. flags lowered to half staff in Heidtman's honor.
"Lt. Heidtman made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us, and he did so to protect the freedom that we so often take for granted," Rell said in a statement. "To have given his life on Memorial Day is especially poignant."...........

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