Oct 26, 2009 7:54 pm US/Eastern
North Attleboro Pilot Killed In Afghanistan Crash
NORTH ATTLEBORO (WBZ) ―
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Marine Capt. Kyle Vandegiesen with his wife Megan.
Attleboro Sun Chronicle
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Kyle Vandegiesen
facebook/WBZ
A Marine pilot from North Attleboro who was due home in a week was killed in a helicopter crash in Afghanistan Monday.
29-year-old Marine Capt. Kyle Vandegiesen was a 1998 graduate of North Attleboro High School and a quarterback on the football team. "I can't find the words to really explain the feeling," said Vandegiesen's high school football coach Paul Sullivan. "He was dedicated, committed, someone who always had a game plan and knew what he was going to do, and was going to get it done – and that's what eventually led him into the military."
North Attleboro veterans agent Jim McCann told WBZ Vandegiesen died in one of two helicopter crashes that
killed 14 Americans in Afghanistan Monday.
It's not clear yet which crash he was involved in.
Vandegiesen's family, too upset to talk, released a statement: "He fulfilled his life-long dream of becoming a Marine helicopter pilot, protecting his family and serving his country."
"The family was so excited to have him home and have a new baby on the way," said Sullivan. "It's just awful."
Vandegiesen was stationed at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California. His wife, Megan, who is due in two weeks, is stuck on the west coast because she is too far along to travel. Vandegiesen and Megan also have a young daughter together, according to McCann.
Vandegiesen's family said funeral arrangements are still being worked out.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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