US Army Pfc. David Andrew Drake, KIA Sept. 28

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Pfc. David Andrew Drake was born on Oct. 7, 1989, in Houston. Prior to joining the Army, he resided in Lumberton, Texas, where he studied Fire Protection at the Lamar Institute of Technology. He was killed in an improvised explosive device strike during a route clearance patrol in Ghazni Province while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom Sept. 28.  

GHAZNI PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

09.28.2011

Courtesy Story

18th Engineer Brigade

GHAZNI PROVINCE, Afghanistan – U.S. Army Pfc. David Andrew Drake was born, Oct. 7, 1989, in Houston. Prior to joining the Army, he resided in Lumberton, Texas, where he studied Fire Protection at the Lamar Institute of Technology. He was killed in an improvised explosive device strike during a route clearance patrol in Ghazni province while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom Sept. 28.

On Jan. 31, 2011, Drake entered the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He was assigned to Charlie Company, 31st Engineer Battalion, where he completed Combat Engineer One Station Unit Training. Upon completion of this training, Pfc. Drake was assigned to the 515th Engineer Company (Sapper), 5th Engineer Battalion, Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.

In June 2011, Drake deployed to Ghazni province, Afghanistan, where he joined the 515th Engineer Company (Sapper) already deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom XI-XII. After arriving he served as the Platoon Leader’s driver for Route Clearance Patrol 72.

Drake’s hobbies included football and video games. Prior to enlisting in the United States Army he served as a Volunteer Fireman in his hometown. Drake’s brother, who is also a Soldier in the United States Army, just returned to Fort Hood, Texas, after a tour in Iraq.

Drake’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (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, Wheeled Driver Badge, and Expert Weapons Qualification Badge – Rifle.

Drake is survived by his mother, brother and sister. 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 14:08
• Story ID: 78551
• Location: GHAZNI PROVINCE, AF