BISMARCK N.D. — Adrienne Linde, the spouse of Sgt. 1st Class Darren M. Linde, who was killed in action with the North Dakota National Guard 818th Engineer Company, Dec. 3., has issued the following statement.
“Tragically, the love of my life, Sgt. 1st Class Darren Linde, passed away on Dec. 3, 2012, when a roadside bomb hit his vehicle. Our children, Celina, Kayla, Alexis and Eric, are all devastated by the loss of such an incredible husband and father. Though saddened and shocked, we are thankful to have wonderful memories and funny stories that will last a lifetime. I have always been Darren’s number one cheerleader and I am enormously proud of him for his sacrifice and service to our nation. Darren gave his life so that others could pass through safely.”
Linde, 41, of Devils Lake, N.D., and Spc. Tyler J. Orgaard, 20, of Bismarck, were killed in action while conducting route clearance operations in Afghanistan, Dec. 3, when an improvised explosive device struck their vehicle in southern Afghanistan.
The remains of both soldiers are currently at Dover Air Force Base under the care of Air Force Mortuary Affairs for processing. Although funeral arrangements are still pending, the funeral homes have been identified.
Linde funeral services will be conducted by Fulkerson Funeral Home in Sidney, Mont. Orgaard services will be conducted by Eastgate Funeral Service in Bismarck.
Spc. Ian Charles Placek, 23, Bismarck, wounded in the same attack, was listed in stable condition at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. He is currently en route to Fort Riley, Kan., for further medical treatment and evaluation.
The North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs Office will continue to issue updated information on these soldiers as it becomes available.