Specialist Scott A. Andrews, a 21-year-old from Fall River Mass., died Monday at Forward Operating Base Lagman in the Zabul province, the DOD reports.
Enlisting in the Army in 2008, in his first assignment Andrews served as a wheeled vehicle mechanic during route clearance operations.
"Specialist Andrews was an absolutely stellar soldier and mechanic." Capt. Steve Holmberg, commander of the 618th Engineer Support Company said. "There is nothing Specialist Andrews couldn't fix and he would burn the 'midnight oil' regularly to accomplish the mission. It was a true pleasure having him around."
Andrews' awards, decorations, campaign and service medals include: the Purple Heart, Army Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal and a Combat Action Badge.
"This is a loss that this company and the Army will feel for years to come," Holmberg said.
Andrews is survived by his father and mother.
Memorial and funeral arrangements for the soldier are yet to be determined.
