Name: Army Pfc. Dustin P. Napier Age: 20 From: London, KY Assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska Incident: Army Pfc. Dustin P. Napier died Jan. 8 in Zabul province, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained from enemy small-arms fire.
Soldier remembered as 'model student' at former school
The Associated Press
CORBIN, Ky. &mdash A soldier from south-central Kentucky who was killed in Afghanistan is being remembered as well liked, well respected and a good role model.
Army officials say 20-year-old Pfc. Dustin P. Napier of London died Sunday due to injuries from enemy small-arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Students and teachers at South Laurel High School, where Napier graduated in 2010, were especially saddened when they received word of Napier's death, The Times-Tribune reported.
Outside the school on Monday, the American flag stood at half-mast, while those inside shared their memories of Napier.
Col. Mark Jones with the Air Force Junior ROTC said everyone at the school was saddened by the news and the JROTC plans a memorial service for Napier on Friday.
"I remember Napier when he was here, and I remember him as a model student, very quiet and serious," Jones said.
South Laurel's Principal David Cummins also said Napier was a model student.
"The last couple of days have been really trying around here with his loss," Cummins said. "A lot of students really looked up to him as a role model and someone they could believe in."
High school senior Devan Burkhart, who is cadet captain of the school's JROTC program, said he remembers Napier as "a good friend, a good mentor, and truly a good person."
"He really had a kind of charisma about him that you liked," Burkhart said. "What I learned in the JROTC program as far as the Color Guard, the Drill Team and other things, I learned from him. He was the one who would tell me, 'Stick with it,' when I got frustrated with the program, and I did stick with it."
Junior Ashley Smith, who also participates in the JROTC program, said she remembers getting encouragement and support from Napier.
"He encouraged me to go into the Army ..." she said. "He taught us discipline, self-respect and basic core values. He said, 'Service before self,' and he not only talked it, he did it. Dustin lived his dream, which was to be an American soldier."
Died: January 8, 2012
Prayers & Condolences For: Dustin P. Napier BY Anonymous on Jan 14, 2012
I Never Me Dustin But he Married MY niece so sad they didn't get to spent more time together but I am sure they enjoyed what little precious time they had Dustin Is a Hero Thanks Dustin tabitha's aunt Bonnie
Prayers & Condolences For: Dustin P. Napier BY Anonymous on Jan 14, 2012
You married my cousin and i never got to see or talk to you but from every thing i hear you was an amazing guy. You was taken to soon me being 19 this really hit me hard but Thank you for fighting for our country.
R.I.P Dustin - Hassell
Prayers & Condolences For: Dustin P. Napier BY Anonymous on Jan 14, 2012
So sorry for you loss. From what I hear Dustin was a great person whom I wish I had met. He was heroic and brave to join the Army & we are very grateful. Although his life was short I believe he had many accomplishments & was a very happy newly wed. So sorry Tabitha & family
Love,April Martin
Prayers & Condolences For: Dustin P. Napier BY Anonymous on Jan 14, 2012
I never met Dustin he married my cousin Thanks Dustin you was a Hero. RIP
Prayers & Condolences For: Dustin P. Napier BY Anonymous on Jan 14, 2012
You and I both became part of the Sturgill family just days apart and we never even had the chance to meet. How I wish we could have. You were a hero in life too. God bless you dear nephew. Till we meet--Shellie
Prayers & Condolences For: Dustin P. Napier BY Anonymous on Jan 12, 2012
May You Have God Speed! Thank You For My Freedom, For Freedom Is Not Free! I Will Never Forget!
Prayers & Condolences For: Dustin P. Napier BY John on Jan 11, 2012
May the grace of God, the love of Jesus, and the peace of the Holy Spirit be with you and your family forever.