Seminole High School Teachers Remember Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

Craig Day, News On 6

SEMINOLE, Oklahoma -- An Oklahoma soldier who grew up and went to high school in Seminole was killed in Afghanistan on Friday..

At Seminole High School, the flag hangs at half staff and heavy hearts hang over those who knew Sergeant Bret Isenhower.

The 26-year-old was killed Friday in Afghanistan by small arms fire. His former teachers and coaches are saddened by the loss of a fine young man, known for his smile and friendly demeanor.

"Just a wonderful, wonderful young man. A great representative of America and Seminole," said Krista Clark, Seminole High School Teacher

Isenhower graduated from Seminole High in 2003 where he played football, was in drama and speech, belonged to FCA and sang in the choir.

Even after graduation, he'd return to the school to say hello and visit with his teachers. They say he was quick with a smile.

"Just a great personality. Someone you'd want your kids to be like," said Jack Tinsley, Seminole High School Teacher.

"Not only did he give the ultimate sacrifice for his country, but he was a good person too," said Seminole High School Teacher Laura Rose.

Not only was Isenhower a hero for making the ultimate sacrifice, he was also one for saving the life of a fellow soldier just two weeks ago.

When a bullet severed an artery in Randen Allison's arm during a gun battle, Sergeant Isenhower ran to his aid, putting a tourniquet on to keep Allison from bleeding to death.

Allison talked to him on the phone two days before Isenhower was killed to thank him. Isenhower's response: don't worry about it, and that he was just doing his job.

Back at Seminole High, that's the kind of person they remember. The kind of person they'll miss. Selfless, patriotic, genuine. A person to admire... and a hero.

"Put himself in harm's way. What more can you say, just a super person. It's a shame that we lose people like that," Tinsley said.

Funeral services for Bret Isenhower are pending. Ten soldiers from Oklahoma's 45th have died in Afghanistan since the end of July.

9/11/2011 Related Story: Three Oklahoma Soldiers Killed In Afghanistan