Alabama National Guardsman killed in action in Afghanistan

Release # 2011080501

MONTGOMERY, AL (08/05/2011)(readMedia)-- An Alabama National Guard Soldier, Capt. Waid C. Ramsey, 41, of Red Bay, Ala., died Aug. 4, in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked with small arms fire. He was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Birmingham, Ala.

"The Alabama National Guard is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own," said the Alabama National Guard's top officer, Maj. Gen. Perry G. Smith. "Our sincerest condolences go out to the family during this time of grief. We are praying for Capt. Ramsey's family, friends and all the Soldiers of the 20th Special Forces Group who have lost a brother-in-arms."

There are no funeral arrangements at this time.

Capt. Ramsey is the eighth Alabama National Guard Soldier who has died while deployed overseas since 9/11, the sixth to be killed in action. The 20th Special Forces Group lost another officer in combat in Afghanistan a little more than two years ago, August 2, 2009.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) deployed to Afghanistan in November 2010, and is scheduled to return later this year.

"We will continue to pray for Capt. Ramsey's family and unit, and offer the full resources of the Alabama National Guard to assist in whatever way we can to ease the suffering they are feeling," said Smith. "We salute Capt. Ramsey for his years of dedicated service and his final sacrifice."

For more information contact the Alabama National Guard at 334-271-7244.

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