Fort Bragg soldier killed in Afghanistan explosion

The Department of Defense announced Tuesday that Spc. Brendan P. Neenan, 21, of Enterprise, Ala., died of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device. His patrol was conducting a dismounted patrol in the Arghandab River Valley.

Neenan was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.

"Spc. Neenan was one of those troopers in the company who always had a smile on his face, who could always find the sense of humor in things, especially during the long, arduous days in the Arghandab,” said Capt. Jimmy Razuri, Neenan’s company commander. “I'll always remember him just like that."

Neenan enlisted in the Army in September 2008. He completed basic training and airborne school at Fort Benning in Georgia and was assigned to Fort Bragg in March 2009. He deployed to Afghanistan last August.

Neenan’s awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

Neenan is survived by his parents, Hugh and Lesa Neenan.

A memorial in his honor will be held in Afghanistan.