Wheeler soldier dies in Afghanistan

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS (HawaiiNewsNow) - A 25th Infantry Division Soldier stationed at Wheeler Army Airfield died Saturday in southern Afghanistan.

Officials say Specialist Alex Hernandez III was found unresponsive in his room in Kandahar province, the incident is under investigation.

Hernandez, 21, a Round Rock, Texas, served as a Door Gunner with 3rd Battalion, 25th Aviation Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Spc. Hernandez joined the Army July 8, 2009 as a Test Equipment Operator and attended Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He joined the 25th CAB in October 2010. His qualifications include Combatives Level One and the Combat Life Savers Course.

Spc. Hernandez's awards and decorations include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, and an Aviator Badge.

Spc. Hernandez is survived by his wife Tyasia Pompy.