Son of Missouri church members killed in Afghanistan

The son of Missouri church members was killed last month in Afghanistan.

Army Spc. Justin E. Culbreth

Army Spc. Justin E. Culbreth grew up at the Westlake Church of Christ in Wentzville, Mo. He was the son of Walter and Cheryl Culbreth. Walter Culbreth serves as a church deacon.
“He grew up with us and was a very fine young man — a Christian,” Westlake evangelist Dempsey Collins said.
Collins said he and fellow evangelist Pat Kendall conducted Culbreth’s memorial service at Fort Campbell, Ky.
His parents found out about their son’s death on a Wednesday and attended the church’s midweek assembly that night, as usual.
“They’re doing all the things they normally do and staying busy, yet bearing this extra burden,” Collins said. “If anything, it’s only made them stronger in their faith. That’s been a blessing and an encouragement to everybody to see the way their faith has actually grown.”
The Colorado Spring Gazette in Colorado reported on the circumstances of Culbreth’s death:

A former Fort Carson soldier was killed Wednesday in the Kandahar province of Afghanistan when insurgents attacked his unit with improvised explosives.
Spc. Justin E. Culbreth, 26, was serving with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky., a unit hit hard in the past week. Twelve soldiers in the division have died since Nov. 11 in Afghanistan.
Culbreth was stationed at Fort Carson a few years ago and met his wife here in Colorado, said his father, Walter Culbreth, of Wentzville, Mo.
The soldier, who listed Colorado Springs as his home in Army records, was known for playing paintball and video games, and enjoyed fishing and going deer hunting with his friends.
“He was a fine young man growing up,” Walter Culbreth said.
The infantryman joined the Army in 2004 and arrived at Fort Campbell in 2009, according to a Fort Campbell news release. He has since received numerous commendations, including the Purple Heart Medal and medals for service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Korea.

Read the full story.

• Feedback
  We mourn with all the Lord’s Children at the loss of this young man. As the parent of a Marine, and a second who will be leaving for the COrps this fall, we think about this often.
  John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
  May the lord bless and comfort all his family.

  Paul Johnson

  December, 16 2010

  On behalf of the Trinidadian brethren we extend heartfelt sympathy to all loved ones of our deceased brother. May you be comforted in knowledge of the heavenly hope!

  Joslyn & Carlton Ramsubhag

  December, 16 2010