Two White Sands Missile Range Soldiers supporting Operation Enduring Freedom have died. Spc. Kenneth C. Alvarez and PV2 Jonathon M. Hostetter were struck by an IED in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan on Friday. They were both assigned to the 40th Mobility Augmentation Company (MAC), 2nd Engineer Battalion.
PV2 Hostetter, 20, of Humphreys, Mo. is a combat engineer and entered the U.S. Army in September of 2012. Before arriving at WSMR he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. He deployed to Afghanistan to join the 40th MAC in April 2013. This was his first deployment.
He is survived by his wife.
Spc. Alvarez, 23, of Santa Maria, Calif., is a combat engineer and entered the U.S. Army in November 2011. Before arriving at WSMR he was with the 42nd Route Clearance Company in Bamberg, Germany. In March 2013 he was assigned to the 2nd Engineer Battalion at WSMR. Upon arrival, he requested to join the 40th MAC in Afghanistan.
He is survived by his wife and child.
“Sadly, we lost two brave Comrades from 40th MAC, 2nd Engineer Battalion. This is yet another sad day for TEAM WSMR as we've lost two teammates from among our ranks,” said Commander of White Sands Missile Range, Brig. Gen. Gwen (P) Bingham.
“Our brave men and women are risking their lives daily in the fulfillment of their mission. Spc. Kenneth Alvarez and PV2 Jonathan Hostetter paid the supreme sacrifice with their lives. We will never forget them and their Families and what they stood for as they dedicated themselves to a life of selfless service and commitment to our Nation. We will continually keep their spouses, Families and the entire 2nd Engineer Battalion uplifted in our thoughts and prayers,” Bingham said.