Wakarusa soldier killed in Afghanistan

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Travis Hunsberger

Travis Hunsberger (Photo provided)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Jun 28, 2008 at 9:43 PM EST

Story Updated: Jun 29, 2008 at 1:23 PM EST

WAKARUSA -- A family is mourning the death of their son who was killed while serving overseas in Afghanistan. The father of Travis Hunsberger tells us the military told him about his son's death Saturday afternoon.

Sergeant Hunsberger was a communications technician with Army Special forces. He was on his second tour of duty. He was killed Friday.

His group was based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He's a graduate of NorthWood High School. Travis was married about a year and a half ago. He's survived by his wife, his parents, a brother and sister.

His father told us Saturday he's proud of his son's service to our country. He says Travis was doing what he loved, and his country's freedom was always on his son's mind.

Funeral services are still being worked out. Travis Hunsberger was 24 years old.

Sunday, Jul 6 at 3:23 PM Abraham Maldonado wrote ...

As a fellow brother in arms, I appreciate the ultimate sacrifice that was given by Travis. I only wish I had had the opportunity of meeting him. He sounds like an amazing guy. To Mrs. Hunsberger I pray that God gives you strength and comfort, and that his grace falls upon you, God Bless you and Travis. Your loved one is no longer "dead in your past" - your loved one is now "fully alive in your future" - which is heaven.

Friday, Jul 4 at 9:49 AM Ron and Carol Shown wrote ...

I was deeply saddened to hear of Travis's loss in Afghanistan. I was so proud to have seen him at a family reunion and chat with him. His sacrifice was not in vain. Remember that "No greater love has he who would lay down his life for a friend". We will remember Travis and his family in our prayers.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 3:02 PM Cal & Irene Jones wrote ...

To our wonderful friends, we thank God for Travis' love for his country. This is what is keeping our country safe. God is keeping him safe now. Our love to his family.

Wednesday, Jul 2 at 1:22 PM Shelli Williamson wrote ...

My mother Shirley and I are thinking of everyone in the family. Our prayers are with you all.

Tuesday, Jul 1 at 8:02 PM Douglass Graham wrote ...

I am sorry for the loss of your Husband, your Son, your Friend. I hope that you can take some comfort in knowing that people are praying for you all in this time of pain.

Tuesday, Jul 1 at 7:30 AM Leslie Lentz wrote ...

I went to school with Travis. He ALWAYS had a smile on his face. My husband was deployed to Iraq and I can't imagine going through this. Hannah, Steve, Rhonda, Kelsey, and Kyle you are all in my prayers.

Monday, Jun 30 at 11:06 PM mrs.hunsberger wrote ...

Travis...oh, my sweet sweet Travis. You were in love with me before I had even the slightest clue. You looked at me and saw the woman that you wanted to spend the rest of your life with, the woman you wanted to have children with. I am so honored to be the woman that you fell in love with and chose to share your life with. You are a beautiful man, and I thank God that he brought you into my life. You are such a blessing to me honey. You have my whole heart, I love you I love you I love you MUAH!

Monday, Jun 30 at 10:45 PM ags wrote ...

My prayers go out to Travis' family - especially to his wife, Hannah. Your loss is deeply felt and everyone in Fayetteville, NC gives you their support !

Monday, Jun 30 at 3:35 PM cousin amy wrote ...

you were an amazing guy travis! you had a contagious smile, a sparkle in your eye, a kind word for all and a hug full of love... i am so proud of you, thank you for laying your life down for mine. i can't wait to see you in heaven. love you cuz. ...

Monday, Jun 30 at 12:15 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Thank you for your service to our country and for all the lives you touched. My deepest sympathy for your family--- you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Monday, Jun 30 at 10:18 AM Deb Miller wrote ...

Travis, I knew you better as "Mullett" and you were one of the finest young men I know! You will be missed more than words can ever say. Ronda, I remember how excited we were when we realized we would be having our first babies together and how happy I was when they ended up being close friends and roomies! I can't begin to get my mind around the grief you and your family are going through. I know you will find comfort in your faith, family and memories - what a hero he is! Thank you Travis!

Monday, Jun 30 at 8:10 AM PPU wrote ...

I didn't know Travis but I can tell from the comments of his loved ones what a fine young man he was. God bless Travis and his family.

Monday, Jun 30 at 7:51 AM A Marine Mom wrote ...

As the mother of a Marine that is currently serving in Iraq, I just want to THANK YOU, TRAVIS, for your service to this country.Our prayers are with your family, friends and your fellow soldiers.Go now and watch over your "brothers and sisters" who are protecting our freedoms.God Bless You and your family.Semper Fi

Monday, Jun 30 at 7:02 AM Big Mac wrote ...

I love you Travis. I will always and forever miss you. You did what you loved and you never let anything or anyone stand in your way.

Monday, Jun 30 at 2:23 AM Alli Bloom wrote ...

Travis- You are a true hero and I can't thank you enough for fighting for us. Our prayers are with your family and wife. I've never seen Brandon so upset, you were a wonderful friend to him and he misses you. God bless.

Monday, Jun 30 at 2:12 AM Hitchhiker wrote ...

I just recently had the opportunity to meet Travis, I was looking forward to getting to know him. I just wanted to say to all his close family and friends, you are in my thoughts.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 11:45 PM warsaw girl wrote ...

thank you so much Travis. i dont know you, but my heart goes out to the ones serving, served, or gave their life. god bless the family and i can say god bless travis, because he is now with god. your a big hero!

Sunday, Jun 29 at 10:39 PM Brandon Rummel wrote ...

Travis was one of my best friends. He was an amazing person! Being a soldier was the perfect fit for him, I have never seen anyone so excited about his job! He loved that he was protecting and helping others, and didn't expect anything in return. Travis was one of the most courageous and most amazing people I have had the privilege of knowing and it's with the deepest respect that I can call him a friend and a brother! My heart/prayer goes out to Steve, Rhonda, Kyle, Kelsey, Hannah, and family!

Sunday, Jun 29 at 9:18 PM Cousin Angie wrote ...

Sweet Travis...As many have already expressed: words cannot describe how proud we are of you and how thankful we are for your sacrifice for our freedom. My heart is hurting for your Dad & Mom, Kelsey & Kyle, Gramma & Grandpa and many others...We have an amazing family who has taught us about the love of Jesus. We'll see you in heaven, buddy. We love you.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 8:30 PM Carolyn wrote ...

Thank You to Travis for fighting for our freedom. God Bless his family and my deepest condolences. We need not speek of when will this end because Travis was there and lost his life doing what he felt necessary. Rest In Peace.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 8:26 PM MichiganGuy wrote ...

God Bless your family--you gave the ultimate for your country, and we cannot be thankful enough. God bless America, and thank you for serving.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 7:38 PM GRAMMA B wrote ...

Our Beloved Travis. You died protecting Us--your family and your country. You were a precious brother, son, grandson and cousin, nephew and friend, We will hold you in our hearts forever. see yo in heaven.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 7:17 PM Kimberly Grubb wrote ...

I know your family. You are a wonderful american and christian home. i remember meeting travis once i believe, and i am sorry for your loss. God bless and take care.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 6:58 PM We'll Miss You wrote ...

Travis is a hero in my mind and my heart. He never failed to make me laugh and smile. He was such a great friend. My prayers are with the Hunsberger's and his wife, Hannah. We'll miss you Travis. You died doing what you loved, for a country you loved.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 5:56 PM Aunt Renay wrote ...

To my sweet courageous nephew..I know you loved your family and your country. You will shine forever in our hearts. God Bless You...God Bless America.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 5:38 PM Glossy wrote ...

Thank you! I'm proud to be an American and it is because of men and women like Travis.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 5:29 PM ANNO wrote ...

I am so sorry for your loss. I do not know you or your families, but I do want to say 'thank you' for the part your son had in giving me a free country to live in. As you think of Travis, hang on to all the memories you have of him, hug them tight, no one can ever take those memories away. As for his wife, I am so sorry. I know many dreams have been crushed for you, I wish things would be different for you. God bless all of you.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 5:21 PM Jason & Jen Price wrote ...

Travis Hunsberger we did not know you personally and there is not enough words to express how thankful we our for the selfless sacrifice you've made. Your our hero and we will never forget what you have done for us. God bless you and your family. We will continue to pray for God's blessings upon the Hunsberger family.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 4:33 PM Kent Bemiller wrote ...

What a MAN, you are my HERO! You will always be in my heart.Your Uncle Kent.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 2:16 PM Jake wrote ...

I can't say nothing for this boy, sounds like a good kid though. Saw a lot of black bags in my day, lot of sons going home to a hole in the ground. Used to think a lot about that, and why I wasn't in one myself. A lot of sleepless nights and empty bottles. Sometimes the price of liberty might seem a tad too high, but I guess that's just the way of the world. God bless.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 1:55 PM thankful american wrote ...

travis hunsberger was a remarkable person. he touched the lives of every person he came in contact with. he has left a legacy that will never be forgotten. im blessed to have known him. and thank god for the time he was here on this earth.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 12:09 PM Brad Duerksen wrote ...

I had the extreme pleasure of coaching Travis in soccer at NWHS. Travis was a wonderful young man who always put others first. It did not surprise me one bit when I heard that Travis had decided to defend his country. He is the type of young man that all Americans would want protecting their freedom. God bless you Travis and our prayers and sympathies are with your family!

Sunday, Jun 29 at 11:41 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Travis was my brother in law, and he was always very good to us. He loved his job, he loved his family, he loved my sister ( his wife), and our family and he never said no to helping us out with anything, and always had a smile on his face. I love and miss him deeply. Thanks Travis, for coming into our lives and being one of the best things that happened to us.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 9:47 AM Anonymous wrote ...

I am so sorry for the loss,god Bless his family and friends. I to have a son in the military, and they are all being prayed for.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 8:59 AM CJ wrote ...

Travis was a remarkable young man who could have done anything he chose to do. He chose to preserve our freedom. Thank-you sweet Travis, thank-you.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 8:50 AM Donna Wilkinson wrote ...

My husband is retired Navy and so we deeply appreciate the sacrifice the soldiers and sailors make on our behalf. Our sympathies go out to the family in this time of hardship and grief.

Sunday, Jun 29 at 7:37 AM frog wrote ...

My sympathies to the family. A good friend of mine was killed there two years ago. I agree 100% with Granger Mommy...when will it end?

Sunday, Jun 29 at 6:57 AM Proud of our Heroes wrote ...

I didn't know him personally but have a great amount of respect for those who have served or are serving. God bless his family and comfort them in this sad time.

Saturday, Jun 28 at 11:39 PM Can't thank him enough wrote ...

omg granger mommy I hope you are not home schooling your children! And read what you write before you hit 'SUBMIT'! "We will never know the difference his life made?" I absolutely know the difference his life has made and appreciate the sacrifice he had to make to protect the difference. I don't have to wake up and wonder who might take my house, or my children and strap a gun on them to make them fight. I know his life is the very lifeblood that runs through the viens of all free Americans!

Saturday, Jun 28 at 11:31 PM So very sad wrote ...

I knew Travis, he was good friends with one of my sons. My heart and prayers go out to his family and wife. I have a son in Iraq, and i cant imagine the loss this family is feeling. Travis you are a hero now and forever in the hearts of all who knew you..Thank you for your service...God Bless

Saturday, Jun 28 at 11:13 PM Rolling Turtle wrote ...

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

Saturday, Jun 28 at 10:55 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Thank you, Sgt. Hunsberger, for your courage, honor, and love of your country. Your willingness to put others before yourself labels you a hero. A day will not go by that you are not thought of with love and pride. Watch over your family as they adjust to life with you as their angel now. Please know that you are in many hearts. God Bless this family and let them know that this nation grieves with them.

Saturday, Jun 28 at 10:04 PM Proud to be an American! wrote ...

Our sympathies to your family at this most devastating time! We sincerely mourn with you and pray for peace for your family!

Saturday, Jun 28 at 9:53 PM granger mommy wrote ...

omg this is so sad when will it stop thanks to the family, God comfort their hearts their is nothing that we can really say that will help what a hero your son was we will never know the difference his live made for everyone here on earth and all the many lives his has changed. he will go on to continue to change live even in death!

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