Sgt. Kristopher J. Gould, 25, of Frankenlust Township died in the Ghazni province Sunday, February 27, 2011, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

He began his military service with the Michigan Army National Guard in 2003 and joined the United States Army in 2006. Kristopher served three tours of duty in the Middle East and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart posthumously.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire state are with Kristopher’s family, this brave young soldier put others’ lives ahead of his own and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom,” said Snyder.