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.