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| Afghanistan |
| Dutch Honor American Hero |
| 2007-09-17 |
| A 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division Soldier was honored Wednesday at the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery where veterans from wars past and present are entombed. Sgt. Alexander Van Aalten, an infantryman with the “All American” division, was posthumously presented the Netherlands Decoration of Merit of the Minister of Defense in Gold before the Van Aalten family and members of the division. Dutch Minister of Defense Eimert Van Middelkoop presented the award to Van Aalten’s wife – Shana, inside the museum where the names of valiant Soldiers of the past are scribed on the walls for history. “Here we remember the brave Sgt. Alexander Van Aalten, who gave his life in Afghanistan serving his country, striving for peace and helping his Dutch colleagues,” said Van Middelkoop. Van Aalten, a Cookeville, Tenn., native was attempting to recover a Dutch soldier who died in a mine field on April 20, where he also would suffer that same fate. |
| Posted by:Chuck Simmins |
| #1 Brave men. Do I see he has a sister serving? |
| Posted by: Richard Aubrey 2007-09-17 21:34 |