A soldier from Madison, Connecticut has been killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan and Gov. Dannel Malloy has ordered all U.S. and Connecticut flags to fly at half-staff.
Army Capt. Andrew Pedersen-Keel was killed by an Afghan policeman while conducting a patrol brief in the Jalrez District, according to Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson and Governor Malloy. Pedersen-Keel's parents live in Madison, McPherson said.
“Captain Pedersen-Keel made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our state and our nation," Malloy said in a statement on Wednesday rnorning. "Our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and his unit during this very difficult time. We pray for a safe homecoming for our troops who are stationed around the world, and thank them for their bravery and service.”
Pedersen-Keel graduated from Avon Old Farms in 2002 and then graduated from West Point Military Academy in 2006. The family moved to Madison in 2003, according to McPherson.
Headmaster Kenneth LaRocque said Pedersen-Keel was an outstanding student, varsity athlete and a friend to everyone.
He said Pedersen-Keel was overjoyed to get accepted to West Point, went there with a great deal of courage and commitment and was excited to serve his country.
"Obviously I and everyone in the Avon Old Farms School family extends the deepest sympathy to his family," LaRocque said.
Pedersen-Keel was a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Two American soldiers were killed when a man dressed as an Afghan police officer opened fire on U.S. and Afghan forces in the eastern province of Wardak on Monday.
Flags will remain at half-staff until Pedersen-Keel is buried or a memorial has been held.
Photo Credit: West Point Association of Graduates