St. Paul Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

ST. PAUL (AP) — A 25-year-old man from St. Paul is being remembered as a savvy builder and loyal, well-liked friend.

Spc. Joseph A. Kennedy died Friday in Helmand province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with small arms fire.

Kennedy's family asked for privacy, but his mother, Valerie, released a statement through the military.

She says that Kennedy "lived life with the volume turned up full blast" and that they were extremely proud of him and his military service.

Kennedy competed on the wrestling team all four years at Simley High and that he dropped back by the school earlier this academic year to say hi to his former teachers.

He was into mechanics, working on cars and riding motorcycles. He enlisted in the Army in 2009.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.