NH Army Ranger Dies During Training

The United States Army and the greater Granite State community are mourning the loss of one of its heroes today as the USASOC News Service releases information about the death of Cpl. Andrew A. Aimesbury of Savannah, GA, and Strafford.

Aimesbury, 21, was killed on Dec. 9, 2015, during a live fire exercise in Fort Stewart, GA. According to a press statement, he was “seriously wounded during a live fire exercise and med-evaced to the nearest treatment facility where he died of his wounds.” The incident is under investigation, according to the news service.

Aimesbury was assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Hunter Army Airfield, in Georgia and worked as a Ranger team leader. He had served one tour in Afghanistan. Aimesbury will be remembered, according to Col. Brandon Tegtmeier, as an extraordinary man.

”(Aimesbury) was an exceptional Ranger leader and an extraordinary man. He was universally liked throughout the battalion for his competence as a warrior and his caring nature,” said Tegtmeier, the commander of 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. “This tragic event has affected us all and our hearts break for his family. Corporal Aimesbury will always be a member of 1st Ranger Battalion and his memory will make all of us better men.”

Aimesbury was born in Manchester and lived in Strafford. He attended Dover High School and enlisted in January 2013. His awards and decorations include the Ranger Tab, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, the Parachutist Badge, and the Marksmanship Qualification Badge Expert-Carbine. He has also been awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal.

Aimesbury is survived by his parents, Carl and Karen Aimesbury, and his sister, Abigail, all from Somersworth.

Gov. Hassan offers statement

Gov. Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, issued the following statement on the passing of U.S. Army Ranger Corporal Andrew A. Aimesbury:

“Corporal Andrew Aimesbury was a well-decorated soldier lauded by his unit as an exceptional Ranger, strong leader and extraordinary young man. He bravely served our country in Afghanistan, and thanks to his unyielding commitment to protecting his fellow citizens, our country is safer and our freedom is stronger. Tom and I join all Granite Staters in mourning his loss and coming together in support of Andrew’s family, loved ones and community.”