Regulars gather to mourn Pfc. Hinkefent

Photo By Staff Sgt. Zachary Mott | The memorial stand for Pfc. Coleman Hinkefent is adorned with mementos and other accoutrement Dec. 29 that will be given to the Oklahoma native's Family during a ceremony at Joint Security Station Old MOD. Hinkefent, who was a member of Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, which is currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, died Dec. 20 after a short battle with Leukemia that developed while he was deployed to Iraq.  

IRAQ

12.30.2008

Story by Sgt. Zachary Mott 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

By Sgt. Zach Mott
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

JOINT SECURITY STATION OLD MOD, Iraq – Mourners gathered at an outpost in northeastern Baghdad Dec. 29 to pay tribute to a fellow Soldier who died Dec. 20 after a short battle with Leukemia.

Pfc. Coleman Hinkefent was an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, Task Force 1-6, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, which is currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. He developed Leukemia while deployed to Iraq and died after being evacuated to Germany.

The Oklahoma native was remembered for his ability to lighten up nearly every situation and as a man who quickly adapted and earned the respect of those with whom he served.

"He had a resounding effect on the lives of many people he came in contact with throughout his life," said Capt. Aaron Newcomer, who serves as the commander of Co. A, 1-6 Inf. Regt.

Hinkenfent joined the Army in January and was assigned to Task Force 1-6 in June as it was in the thick of rebuilding Sadr City.

"He reminds me a lot of myself during my first deployment," said Sgt. Phillip Scott, who serves with Co. A, TF 1-6.

Scott also recalled a good natured "war" they shared that began after the non-commissioned officer threw a banana at Hinkefent on a hot, summer day.

"One thing I remember about 'Hinke' was that no matter what, he would never quit something he started," Scott said.

Hinkefent is survived by his father, Eric; mother, Belinda; siblings, Emil, Erica and Haley; and fiancé, Jordan.

• Date Taken: 12.30.2008
• Date Posted: 12.30.2008 06:35
• Story ID: 28274
• Location: IQ