In Memoriam: Air Force Master Sgt. Randy J. Gillespie

Air Force Master Sgt. Randy J. Gillespie

Another selfless Colorado hero-soldier:

A Colorado man who was a sergeant at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona has died while fighting in Afghanistan.

Base officials said that Master Sgt. Randy Gillespie, 44, died Monday from wounds received in a small arms encounter.

The confrontation occurred outside Camp Stone near Herat, Afghanistan.

Gillespie was from Coaldale, Colo., and assigned to the 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Luke.

Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, Commander of Gillespie's squadron issued the following statement on his death:

“The 56th Fighter Wing extends its heartfelt condolences to the Gillespie family for such a tragic loss. Today’s news and the deep sense of sorrow we feel here at Luke should serve as a reminder to Americans about the sacrifice borne by the men and women of our Armed Forces. We have devoted a strong and compassionate team of friends and co-workers from our base to support the family in this difficult time. The Luke family is close-knit and this news greatly affects us all.

"Master Sgt Gillespie will be remembered here as a beloved husband and father, patriot, warrior, friend and a proud American who volunteered to serve in his nation’s Air Force. He served with courage and commitment and believed in duty, honor and country. “

Gillespie was deployed in Afghanistan with the 755th Air Expeditionary Group and was on his second tour of duty there.

He was married and the father of four children.

More on Gillespie here.

CBS4 has a slideshow of all the brave fallen Colorado soldiers.