Politics & Government

Marine from Colonia Died Thursday in Afghanistan Helicopter Crash

U.S. Marine Corporal Kevin Reinhard, 25, perished in a helicopter crash Thursday in Afghanistan.

One of six Marines killed Thursday when their helicopter crashed in Afghanistan was a Colonia resident.

U.S. Marine Corporal Kevin Reinhard, 25, was on a helicopter mission when the aircraft went down in the southern Afghani province of Helmand, according to a Huffington Post report. It was the deadliest attack against US military since August, when 30 American troops died after a Chinook helicopter was apparently shot down in Wardak province.

The report said there was no indication the helicopter was shot down.

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Kathleen and James Reinhard, Kevin's parents who still live in the Colonia section of Woodbridge, were stunned by the news.

"I can't talk," whispered Kathleen as she was surrounded by loving friends and family.

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His mother sobbed quietly as those around her tried vainly to comfort her in her grief as she whispered, "My son, my son" over and over again.

Kevin graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Metuchen in 2005, after which he went to Middlesex County College, where he majored in criminal justice. According to his Facebook page, he also attended Ramapo College.

After he joined the Marines, he worked in Afghanistan as a helicopter mechanic.

One man said that Kevin "was a fine marine and was extremely proud of the job he was doing. The last time I spoke with him he had nothing but good to speak of his job as a helicopter mechanic and what he was doing in Afghanistan. 

"Kevin was a fine young man and will be sorely missed."


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