A Gwinnett County soldier killed Monday in Afghanistan lost his life in a “non-combat related incident,” the Department of Defense said in a news release.
The release said Spc. Kyle E. Gilbert, 24, of Buford, was “supporting Operation Freedom Sentinel” in Bagram, Afghanistan, when he was killed. No further information about the circumstances surrounding his death was provided, but authorities said the incident is under investigation.
A separate news release from New York’s Fort Drum said Gilbert was “an exceptional soldier” and a junior leader in his battalion.
“He met every mission and challenge with contagious enthusiasm and vigor,” Lt. Col. Michael Kovacevic said in the release. “His family is in our continued thoughts and prayers. His memory will forever remain with those who served with him.”
Gilbert was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division of Fort Drum. He joined the Army in April 2013, training at Georgia’s Fort Benning before being assigned to Fort Drum.
He was deployed to Afghanistan in June.
According to Fort Drum, Gilbert’s awards and commendations included the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
He is survived by his mother, father, stepmother and brother.
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