Local and state officials are honoring the sacrifice made by Sgt. Jonathon Hunter, a 23-year-old Columbus East graduate who died in a suicide bombing this week in Afghanistan.
Gov. Eric Holcomb released a statement saying:
Words will never convey the sorrow that Janet and I feel for the loss of Sgt. Jonathon Michael Hunter, an Army sergeant and Columbus, Indiana native killed in a NATO convoy attack in Afghanistan. We offer our prayers for his family and friends and ask all Hoosiers to honor his selfless service to our country.
U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly said:
I am saddened to hear that Columbus native, Jonathon Michael Hunter, has been killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan. His service and sacrifice in defense of our country will never be forgotten. My prayers and condolences go to his family, friends, fellow soldiers, and the entire Columbus community.
U.S. Rep. Luke Messer said:
Sergeant Jonathon Hunter is a true American hero, and our entire nation grieves this loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Hunter’s family, friends and the entire Columbus community. Sergeant Hunter gave the ultimate sacrifice for his country. His bravery and legacy will live on.
Columbus East High School’s administrators issued a statement.
The Columbus East High School Community is sad to hear of the passing of one of its own. We were made aware that Jonathon Michael Hunter was killed in military action in Afghanistan. Jonathon was a 2011 graduate of Columbus East High School, and a member of the football team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hunter family, friends, the Columbus East community, and the BCSC community during this difficult time.
This is the second Columbus East graduate that has given his life for his country while serving in Afghanistan. In 2010 Jeremy McQueary was killed while conducting searches for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDS). He was 27.
Columbus East High School & The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation are proud of the commitment and dedication of these two young men in service to their country.
East Principal Mark Newell said that he will be making an announcement Friday morning, reminding current students about the sacrifices made by their peers…
Bartholomew Consolidated Schools officials also released a statement on Hunter’s death:
The Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC) family is mourning the loss of one of our own… Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hunter family, friends, and the BCSC community during this difficult time. We express our deep appreciation for all who have served, and continue to serve, in the military in order to protect the rights and freedoms we are blessed to have.
The commander of the 1st Brigade Combat team, Col. Toby Magsig, said that the unit also lost 25-year-old Specialist Christopher M. Harris of Jackson Springs, N.C., in the attack.
The entire Devil Brigade is deeply saddened by the loss of two beloved team members… Sgt. Jonathon Hunter was the leader we all want to work for – strong, decisive, compassionate, and courageous. He was revered by his Paratroopers and respected throughout his unit.
Chris and Jon lived and died as warriors. They will always be a part of the legacy of the Devil Brigade and their memory lives on in the hearts and minds of their fellow Paratroopers. Our thoughts and prayers are centered on the families and loved ones of these two great Americans.”