Cedar Rapids Soldier Dies of Injuries Suffered in Iraq

Courtesy Cedar Rapids Gazette - By Dick Hogan

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Sep 4, 2007 at 6:05 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 4, 2007 at 6:09 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Army Sgt. Kevin Allan Gilberston, a graduate of Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School, has died from injuries suffered in Iraq.

Gilbertson, 25, is the son of Don Gilbertson of Palo and Keeley Unash of Cedar Rapids.

His wife, Nina, and 8-month-old son, Timmy, live in Germany. He is also survived by a younger brother, Bradley, family members told The Gazette.

"He joined the Army right out of high school to get a college education when he got out," Don Gilbertson said last night from Germany, from here he will bring his son's body home. "His dream was getting a degree and supporting his family.

"He was the greatest kid in the world."

The Department of Defense said Gilbertson was on foot patrol when shot by enemy forces using small arms fire at 8:15 a.m. (Iraq time) Aug. 29 in Ramadi, Iraq.

He was taken to Landstuhl Regional (Medical) Center in Germany, where he died at 11:05 a.m. Aug. 31.

He was the 55th person with Iowa ties to die in Iraq since 2003.

Gilbertson served with the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, based in Scheweinfurt, Germany.

He was on his second tour in Iraq, his father said.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Gilbertson's aunt, Amy Gilbertson of Austin, Texas, formerly of Cedar
Rapids, said Kevin was born when she was in third grade.

"He was kind of like my little brother," she said. "He's always been
very proud. He loved his country. He really embraced being a soldier."

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