Another Oklahoma Soldier Dies In Afghanistan

Lindsay Reese, NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY - Another Oklahoma soldier has died in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense said Monday that 2nd Lieutenant Joe Cunningham, of Kingston, Oklahoma, died Saturday from injuries he suffered in a non-combat related incident.

Cunningham, 27, was with the 45th Infantry Brigade. This was his second deployment. He previously served in Iraq in 2005-2006.

"Second Lieutenant Cunningham actually enlisted barely two months after we were attacked on 9/11," said Lt. Col. Max Moss, an Oklahoma National Guard spokesman. "He will be greatly missed by all of us in uniform that knew him and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they cope with his loss."

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Cunningham has received numerous awards including the Iraq Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Army Achievement Medal.

Cunningham is the fourth Oklahoman to die in Afghanistan this month and the sixth in recent weeks.

Specialist Jordan Morris, 23, of Stillwater, died Thursday after an IED exploded near his vehicle.  Two other soldiers died earlier this month and two died on July 29, 2011.

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