In loving memory: Tributes honor soldier killed in Afghanistan

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Spc. Kimble Han was remembered Saturday as a patriot who loved his family, liked to win and gave his life for his country.

Han, 30, a combat engineer, was killed Oct. 23 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, when enemy forces attacked the vehicle he was driving with an improvised explosive device. Also killed in the explosion was Spc. Eric N. Lembke, 25, of Tampa, Fla.

In funeral services at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ward meetinghouse, family members, military officers and church leaders spoke about Han's dedication to his country.

"Kimble made the ultimate sacrifice for our mission and to keep alive our freedom," said Brig. Gen. Kurt S. Story, deputy commander for operations for the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command based in Colorado. "Nothing we can say there that will change the past or make us whole. But I ask everybody to remember Kimble and celebrate the glory of his spirit."

Story said Han, who was a private first class when he died, had been promoted posthumously to the rank of specialist Friday evening at a private ceremony with members of the family.

Attending the funeral were Gov. Gary Herbert and Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders, a motorcycle club dedicated to shielding family members of soldiers who are killed in action from war protesters, lined the sidewalk in front of the church, although a rumored protest never materialized.

Following the services, residents of this small Saratoga Springs neighborhood lined the street as Han's remains were taken from the church to the Utah State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Williams, where he was buried with full military honors.

As part of the rites, Story presented American flags to Han's mother, Lisa Barnes; his wife, Melissa Han; and his three stepsons, Brenden Bradley, Austin Bradley and Caleb Staats.

Jeremy Lyons, Han's brother-in-law, portrayed the fallen soldier as a man who had turned to the Army when he was 29 to find stability.

"Kimble loved being a soldier. He loved protecting his family," he said.

He was also devoted to his family — he had seven brothers and sisters — and was an intense competitor.

"I loved to play sports with Kimble when I was on his team and we were winning," Lyons said. "If Kimble was losing, that's another story."

LDS Bishop Eddie Meyersick, who spoke at the services, also alluded to Han's competitive nature.

"I don't think he ever understood the concept of flag football very well," he said, eliciting laughs from the gathering.

He said Han had approached him about making some life changes before he joined the Army.

"He wanted to right some wrongs," Meyersick said. "He gave his life for freedom."

Story related comments made at a memorial service held in Kandahar among members of the 569th Mobility Augmentation Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, to which Han was assigned, where one soldier said:

"He took his role in our platoon very seriously. He joined the Army late in life. He did it because he wanted to serve his country."

e-mail: mhaddock@desnews.com