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 Minneapolis Star Tribune -- A third-generation soldier from Sioux Falls, S.D., died Wednesday from injuries suffered last week while on duty in Afghanistan.
Specialist Estell L. Turner, 43, a U.S. Army motor transport operator was severely wounded after his vehicle was blown up by a roadside bomb on June 28, the Department of Defense announced Thursday.
He was taken to a hospital in Germany and then to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he died.
He had a "go get it" attitude and loved being in the military, his mother, Gloria Turner, of Jackson, Ky., said Thursday.
"He had a great personality," she said. "He was always looking out for the next guy."
Turner followed in the footsteps of his late father, Clarence Turner, who served in the Navy for 18 years, and his late grandfather, also named Estell Turner, an Army solider who served in World War II, Gloria Turner said.
Turner's younger brother, Johnny, is in the Army stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., she said.
"My husband insisted they serve in the military," Turner said. "Our family has always believed that you put your country first."
Estell L. Turner was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Ky. He joined the Army in 2004.
He received numerous awards including the Purple Heart and a National Defense Service Medal, according to a release from South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds' office.
A memorial service for Turner will be held in Afghanistan. His body is scheduled to be flown to Kentucky for services next week, his mother said.
Turner also is survived by his wife, Leah Turner of Sioux Falls and their daughter, Lyda, of Broadway, N.C.
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I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
"Currahee"(Stands Alone)
506th Inf. Motto