Local soldier Eugene Uhl, III was killed in Mosul when his black hawk helicopter crashed. A third generation soldier, Uhl was known as a fun loving caring guy. Part of the 101st Airborne Division, Uhl fought for what family members and friends say he believed in.
"He loved his country he thought he could make it a better place," says Uhl's mother, Joan Uhl.
The flag was raised at half-staff this morning in front of Amherst High School where he graduated. Students and staff remembered Uhl during a moment of silence.
Mary Ann Mangen is a family friend of the Uhls. Her son is also serving in Iraq. She says the reality of what's going on over there is hitting close to home.
"Every fear that every parent every wife every family member has what the Uhls are experiencing has been brought right to our faces," says Mangen.
Mangen says the community is pulling together during this difficult time, trying to support the Uhl family as much as possible.
