SFC Darren Linde
There was standing room only at the Richland County Fair Event Center Tuesday afternoon to pay their final respects to Sgt. 1 Class Darren Linde.
Linde and Spc. Tyler J. Orgaard, 20, Bismarck, N.D., were killed during an attack at 6:58 a.m. MST Dec. 3. The two and Spc. Ian Charles Placek, 23, Bismarck, N.D., were conducting route clearance operations when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle in southern Afghanistan.
Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general offered kind words during the service. Lt. Col. David Johnson served as chaplain for the funeral.
“We will never forget Darren’s service and sacrifice,” Sprynczynatyk said. “Or the sacrifices of his family.” He presented Adrienne Linde, Darren’s wife, a North Dakota state flag.
Adrienne said she is more proud than ever of her husband. She and her family are thankful for the lifetime of memories with him.
She asked people to hug their family and friends tightly.
Johnson said Linde meant the world to his soldiers and his family. “He was proud to wear the uniform. He believed his efforts made a difference.”
Some of the most emotional times of the service came when Linde’s daughters Kayla Propp and Alexis Fleener performed touching songs in salute to their father.
Linde was a combat engineer, cannon crewmember and bridge crewmember. He received numerous awards, including the Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Combat Action Badge, North Dakota Legion of Merit (posthumously), Purple Heart (posthumously), and the Bronze Star (posthumously).
Joseph Kostecki said on Dec 20, 2012 8:56 PM
I attended the Memorial Service at held 15Dec at Camp Grafton Training Center RTI Building for SFC Linde. The Service was very emotional