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Published April 12, 2006 12:32 pm - Will Gardner lived his young life wanting to be a soldier. Gardner lived his dream; Army releases cause of death By CONNIE PICKETT Glasgow Daily Times GLASGOW — Will Gardner lived his young life wanting to be a soldier. After graduating from high school that dream became a reality when he joined the United States Army and became a member of the 101st Airborne.
At the age of 22, Gardner's dream ended Monday in Iraq. In a press release issued by the Department of Defense on Tuesday afternoon, the military said Gardner died Monday from a noncombat-related cause. A spokesperson at Fort Campbell said Gardner died of a non-hostile gunshot wound. Gardner is survived by his wife, Lisa Roberts-Gardner, and stepdaughters, Taylor and Brooklyn Roberts, of Clarksville, Tenn., his parents, James and Anne Gardner, of Glasgow, and a brother and sister, Sam and Carly. The family has chosen not to speak publicly about Gardner’s death, but did issue the following statement this morning: “During a time of overwhelming grief, we have received reaffirmation of the love and loyalty for which this community is known. Will was a good son and brother and he was a good soldier. “We appreciate the support and prayers we are receiving from so many sources — the 101st Airborne, our church family, our neighbors, our loved ones and our co-workers. Thank you for respecting our privacy during this difficult time.” The statement was signed by Jim, Anne, Sam and Carly Gardner. A memorial service will be held in Iraq. He is the 35th service member with Kentucky hometowns of record to die in Iraq since the war began. Two other members of the 101st were killed over the weekend in Iraq. There have been 141 members of the Airborne division killed in Iraq since the war began more than three years ago. The Public Affairs Office at Fort Campbell said this morning that anytime a non-hostile death occurs it will be investigated by the Army. Kelly Tyler, with the 101st public affairs office, said the investigation could take anywhere from weeks to months and once completed the information would be released to the family of the fallen soldier. As news of Gardner’s death reached his hometown Monday night, word quickly spread through the community. Most who knew Gardner said he had always dreamed of being a soldier. Teachers, former employers and friends recalled the many times as a teen, Gardner would talk about his goal of someday serving his country as a member of the military. Steve Tyree was youth minister at the Columbia Avenue Church of Christ when he first met Gardner, who was in the fifth grade at the time. For the next eight years Gardner and his church mentor would form a bond that lasted until his death. Tyree, who now works at Greenwood Park Church of Christ in Bowling Green, said Gardner would come to visit him when he was home. 
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