A Topeka Soldier Dies in Iraq

Lindsay Patterson

Kyle Thomas was killed in an explosion while he was on a patrol Thursday in Tikrit, Iraq.

A Topeka (Kansas) soldier was killed Friday while fighting in Iraq. Twenty-three year old Kyle Thomas joined the 173rd Airborne Brigade. An officer and a chaplain came to Kyle's father Raymond's office and announced kyle had died. He was on patrol and walked past a trap hidden in a trash can and got scrapnil in his chest. Some of his hobbies were woodworking, football, and dancing. He danced ballet for Topeka Metropolitan Ballet Company, Philidelphia, Evansville, and New York.
He was also a carpenter who paid special attention to details.
His family says he did everything with a passion, and that is precisely why he joined the service.
After seeing the devestation on September 11th Kyle's family says he felt like it was his calling.
Kyle packed up his things and went to fight for his country and his faith.
He just celebrated his first wedding anniversary. His family says he met his wife Kari dancing, and they shared many dreams together.
His family says their road from here will not be easy, but they know that Kyle died for something he believed in.