Fort Carson Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

A 30-year-old soldier from Arizona has been killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Gov. Jan Brewer’s office said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Alejo Thompson was killed Friday in Parwan Province. Based at Fort Carson, Colo., he was assigned to the A Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

A native of Yuma, Thompson died of injuries sustained when his unit came under fire while on patrol.

This was Thompson’s second deployment since entering the army in Sept. 2000. Throughout his service he received numerous awards including a National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, and three Army Good Conduct Medals. He has also received a Purple Heart and will receive a Bronze Star Medal.

Brewer issued a statement Sunday and asked that people hold Thompson’s family in their hearts as they gather for Mother’s Day. She acknowledged that many Arizona families are incomplete as mothers, fathers, sons and daughters continue to serve in far-off places. Brewer has ordered flags to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset Monday in honor of Thompson.

The governor’s office says funeral arrangements for Thompson are pending.