UPDATE: HAWAII ARMY NATIONAL GUARD IDENTIFIES SOLDIER WHO DIED ON KAUAI

For Immediate Release:  November 17, 2011

UPDATE: HAWAII ARMY NATIONAL GUARD IDENTIFIES SOLDIER WHO DIED ON KAUAI

Hanapepe, HI- The Hawaii Army National Guard (HIARNG) Soldier who died Wednesday, November 16, 2011 while on duty at a vehicle maintenance shop in Hanapepe, Kauai has been identified as Sergeant First Class Eric Yasuji Fujiwara.

Fujiwara, 54, a light-wheeled mechanic, was found unresponsive by another Soldier. Fujiwara had just completed some physical training and was still in his workout attire. Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was initiated by Soldiers on-site and then continued by paramedics. Fujiwara was then transported to Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead around 1:00 p.m.

Fujiwara deployed twice with the HIARNG’s 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team: once to Iraq and the second time to Kuwait. He had 37 years of service in the Hawaii Army National Guard.

Cause of death is still unknown at this time. The HIARNG assigned a Casualty Assistance Officer to support the Fujiwara family.

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For more information, contact:

Lt. Col.  Charles Anthony                                                                   

Public Affairs Officer                                                                                                 

charles.anthony@hickam.af.mil

Office: (808) 733-4258