MAYVILLE (WKOW) - Many in the town of Mayville, Wisconsin are mourning the loss of a bright young man. A soldier who planned to maybe one day become a lawyer, has died serving his country.
First Lt. David Johnson's parents got the news Wednesday night and spent the next day traveling to Dover Air Force base to pick up their son's body.
"David was a wonderful young man," said Pastor David Koch of Christian Life Fellowship Church in Mayville.
To his pastor, he was a leader.
"He stepped up and got things done," Paster Koch said.
To his old high school principal, he was a gentleman.
"A quality young man," said Lee Zarnott of Mayville High School.
To his country, Lt. David Johnson died a hero.
"He was not afraid of death or the enemy," said Pastor Koch.
The 24-year-old, born and raised in the small town of Mayville, died just a month after being deployed. It was his first time to Afghanistan, and his pastor says David knew the dangers.
"He did not fear what he was about to do and where he was going," said Pastor Koch.
That's because, Paster Koch says, David was passionate about freedom and service.
"Service for David was really a big part of his life," said Zarnott. "He was an eagle scout in town and he really had a passion to serve."
His parents released this statement:
"David had no fear of adversity; he lived life to the fullest. There are no regrets. He is an American hero."
"He was a true warrior," said Pastor Koch. "A true hero."
The Department of Defense says Lt. David Johnson was on foot patrol in Afghanistan when he was killed by an improvised explosive device.
His service is expected to be held at Mayville High School.
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MAYVILLE (WKOW)-- A soldier from Wisconsin was killed in Afghanistan.
First Lt. David Johnson from Mayville, in Dodge County, died in action Wednesday. The news first came from his alma mater, Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, which said Johnson's family gave the school permission to release the news of his death.
The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed Johnson's death Thursday. It said Johnson was serving in Kandahar province and died of injuries suffered after encountering an improvised explosive device while conducting a dismounted patrol.
Johnson, 24, was a 2010 graduate and a platoon leader of the Army's 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division. He had been at a special Veterans Day service at the university last November.
John Plake, the campus pastor, says Johnson was a well-respected student leader. He was a commander for the school's ROTC program.
Andrew and Laura Johnson and their children Michael, Matthew and Emily would like to honor their son and brother David with the following official statement:
"We are very proud of our son. He is a hero. He first was a man of God. He has been a strong leader at Mayville High School, at Evangel University and to the men in his unit. David had no fear of adversity; he lived life to the fullest. There are no regrets. He is an American hero. We love him very much and miss him very much."
Part of a letter from LTC (Ret) Kirby A. Hanson, who was David's ROTC Commander in Springfield.
"David was an outstanding cadet in every aspect of military training…He was destined to serve in the Infantry and I was certain he would excel…Aside from the Army life, David was a kind, well mannered, fun young man."
