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June 23, 2010

Airborne Mainer killed on second Afghanistan tour

The helicopter crew chief, a 2003 graduate of Orono High School, dies from injuries he suffered in a hard landing.

The Associated Press

AUGUSTA — A soldier from Maine who was the crew chief of a Black Hawk helicopter has been killed in Afghanistan, officials said Tuesday.

click image to enlarge

U.S. Army Sgt. Brandon Silk, of Orono, who died Monday from injuries suffered during a hard helicopter landing in Afghanistan, is shown in an undated photo. He was 25.

Family photo

Sgt. Brandon Silk, 25, was killed Monday from injuries suffered during a hard helicopter landing, said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree. Silk served with the 101st Airborne Division out of Fort Campbell, Ky.

Officials did not have additional details surrounding his death. The Department of Defense has not released any information.

Silk grew up in Orono, the oldest of Mark and Lynn Silk's three sons, said Orono High School Assistant Principal Bob Sinclair. Silk's father is a detective with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles office of investigations. His mother is a school principal in Milford.

Silk played football and ran track in high school and joined the military upon graduation, Sinclair said.

His family issued a statement saying that he died "honorably and with respect" while serving his country.

"He was a son, a brother, a nephew, and a cousin – and was well-loved by everyone in this family," the statement read. "We have always been a tight-knit family and Brandon's spirit will live on through memories of his sense of humor, his love for adventure, and the memories he created through his unique, outgoing, strong personality."

Gov. John Baldacci said he will order flags flown at half-staff on the day of Silk's funeral.

"Sgt. Silk was a hero, and we will honor his life and his sacrifice," the governor said.

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