Member of Kansas National Guard dies in Iraq
5:34 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2007
Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general, announces that Sgt. Courtney Dean Finch, a member of the 714th Security Force (SECFOR), Kansas National Guard, Topeka, died in Iraq on Monday, July 23, 2007 of unknown causes. The cause of his death was non-combat related. An investigation is pending.
Finch, 27, was a resident of Leavenworth, Kan.
“I'm saddened to learn of the loss of Sgt. Finch, who has served his country bravely,” said Governor Kathleen Sebelius. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family and his fellow soldiers.”
“The sacrifices our soldiers make for their country are tremendous and I grieve for each family who receives this kind of unfortunate news,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting. “I am so grateful for the service of Sgt. Finch and will pray for his family as they go through this difficult time.”
In July 2001, Finch enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard with Company C, 1st Battalion 635th Armor, Lenexa, as a Tank Crewman. He completed his Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson, S.C., and Advanced Individual Training in Fort Knox, Ky.
Finch had more than six years of military service. Finch deployed with the 1st Battalion, 635th Armor to Kosovo in support of Operation Task Force Falcon and the United States NATO commitment in the Balkans from October 2004 to February 2006. In June 2006 he deployed with the 714th SECFOR to Iraq in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where they are currently providing force protection.
His awards include Army Good Conduct Medal, The National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M Device and the German Army Marksmanship – Silver.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
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