21-year-old Wis. soldier Benjamin Neal dies in Afghanistan

ORFORDVILLE (AP) — The Department of Defense says a 21-year-old Wisconsin soldier has died in Afghanistan. Specialist Benjamin Neal of Orforville died Wednesday, April 25th in Kandahar province after enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

Neal was a 2009 graduate of Parkview Senior High School in Orfordville, about 10 miles west of Janesville, and was a high school wrestler.

District Administrator Steve Lutzke says Neal “just felt a need to serve” and went into the military after graduating. Lutzke remembers Neal for his “wonderful personality” and his strong faith. He says Neal “took his wrestling seriously” and was the team leader.

Neal was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.