Little Rock – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln today released the following statement upon learning of the passing of Private First Class Bryn T. Raver, 20, of Arkansas, who died on August 29, 2010, in Nangahar, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, Private First Class Raver died of injuries sustained on August 28, 2010, when his military vehicle was hit by rocket-propelled grenade fire
“My heart goes out to the family of Private First Class Raver who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation,” Lincoln said. “Along with all Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the service and sacrifice of all of our military service members and their families.
“More than 11,000 Arkansans on active duty and more than 10,000 Arkansas reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. These men and women have shown tremendous courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their families, not only when they are in harm’s way but also when they return home. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much.”
Private First Class Raver was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He is survived by his wife, who resides at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington; a daughter in Alpena, Ark.; and his father of Everton, Ark.
