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Bradenton Soldier Killed In Afghanistan On Sunday

Photo from Hasenflu family

Sgt. William Hasenflu, with his wife, Judith Corbeau-Hasenflu, and daughters Savannah, Ashley and Veronica.

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The Associated Press

Published: September 29, 2008

Updated: 09/30/2008 12:08 am

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Sgt. William E. Hasenflu

A 38-year-old soldier from Bradenton who had served three previous tours of duty in the Middle East died Sunday in Afghanistan after his unit was ambushed by enemy forces, the Department of Defense said Monday.

The military says the death of U.S. Sgt. William E. Hasenflu, a 101st Airborne Division soldier, is under investigation.

Hasenflu had a personality that could light up a room, said his mother, Jane Mann of Bradenton.

"Everybody gravitated toward him," Mann said. "People just loved to be around him."

Mann said she is flying to Cadiz, Ky., this week to be with her son's widow, Judith Corbeau-Hasenflu, and their daughters, Savannah, Ashley and Veronica. The family lives near Fort Campell, Ky. Survivors also include Hasenflu's father, Earl Hasenflu of Sarasota.

Hasenflu's unit was taking detainees into custody when they were ambushed by enemy soldiers using small-arms fire in the Jaji District, the military said.

Mann says her son has served three tours of duty and did not want to go for a fourth. After a family discussion, Hasenflu decided to go to Afghanistan. Mann says she feels that the Army forced her son to go back overseas.

"We felt he has done his duty," Mann said. "I'm very proud of him. I'm also very, very angry he had to go a fourth time and I'm going to file a complaint."

Hasenflu was assigned to A Troop, 1st Battalion, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team at Fort Cambell.

Fort Campbell says Hasenflu entered the Army in May 2005 after a stint in the Marines and arrived at Fort Campbell in October 2005.

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