Army Spc. Justin B. Shoecraft

Died August 24, 2010 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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28, of Elkhart, Ind.; assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; died Aug. 24 at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device at Kakarak, Afghanistan.

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Army Spc. recalled as hard worker, generous

The Associated Press

Justin Shoecraft was known among his relatives as a hard worker and generous guy, the type who wouldn’t hesitate to offer to give folks a hand in times of need.

“If you said, ‘Hey, I need help with something,’ he was there to help you,” Blue Shoecraft said of his son.

The 28-year-old from Elkhart, Ind., enjoyed stock car racing, playing games with his younger cousin and working on old cars and old bicycles with his dad.

The younger Shoecraft died Aug. 24 at Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device at Kakarak. He was about five weeks into his deployment.

Back at Elkhart Memorial High School, where he graduated in 2000, he was a quiet leader who once persuaded a bully to stop picking on another student during a weightlifting class, former classmate Adam Meyers said.

Shoecraft worked for the postal service before joining the Army about two years ago. He was based in Vilseck, Germany.

Survivors include his mother, Donna, and two siblings. He also leaves behind his wife, Jessica, whom he married just before leaving for basic training.