GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ivan Derek Lechowich was born Oct. 26, 1983, in Fort Sill, Okla. Prior to joining the Army, he resided in Tampa, Fla., and graduated from the University of Florida in 2007, with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He was killed by an improvised explosive device during a route clearance patrol in Ghazni province while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom Sept. 28.
In July 2009, Lechowich entered the United States Army at Fort Benning, Ga., where he completed both Basic Training and Officer Candidate School. Lechowich then completed Engineer Officer Basic Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Upon completion of his training, 1st Lt. Lechowich was assigned to the 515th Engineer Company (Sapper), 5th Engineer Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
In April 2011, Lechowich deployed to Ghazni province, in eastern Afghanistan, to meet the 515th Engineer Company (Sapper), who was already deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom XI-XII. For the first two months of the deployment he served as a mentor to an Afghan National Army Route Clearance Company and became the Platoon Leader for Route Clearance Patrol 72 in July 2011.
Lechowich’s hobbies included hiking and running. He also volunteered with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and was a member of Theta Chi while at the University of Florida. Lechowich was known for his intelligence, his uncanny ability to quote movies, and his unprecedented sense of humor.
Lechowich’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO ISAF Medal, Polish Forces Medal – Gold, Combat Action Badge, Sapper Tab, and German Armed Force Proficiency Badge – Gold.
Lechowich is survived by his wife, daughter. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten by the men and women of the 515th Engineer Company, 54th Engineer Battalion, and 18th Engineer Brigade.
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 10.15.2011 14:02 |
| Story ID: | 78550 |
| Location: | GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF |
| Web Views: | 2,999 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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