9&10 News: UPDATE: Upper Peninsula Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

UPDATE: Upper Peninsula Soldier Killed in Afghanistan
Posted: 10/26/2009

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A Chippewa County soldier gave everything he had fighting for our freedom.

Army Specialist Brandon Steffey was killed yesterday, Sunday, by a road side bomb in Afghanistan.

Steffey grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Brimley High School in 2005.

The 23-year-old joined the Army in 2006 and served two tours of duty as a K-9 handler.

Steffey has a wife and young daughter where he was based in Fort Hood, Texas.

Steffey just talked to his father a couple days ago and said he was going on a new mission. His father says he did not get into details but sounded in good spirits.

His family describes him as a very caring person who loved people.

They also say they will miss his sense of humor.

After the Army, they say he wanted to stay in Texas and work for border patrol and immigration.

There are no funeral arraignments set up at this time.

9&10's Christina Vecchioni and photojournalist Aaron Smith have more details after visiting the family today.

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11/2/2009 - Heroes

Posted By: Ashley (Sault Ste Marie) | Hide
I just heard of this terrible event. I myself lost my husband in Iraq in 2007 just nine days after our son was born. I know what you are going through. It is the worst thing a person should have to endure. Please know that my heart goes out to you in this time of deep saddness. To Brandon's wife: If you ever would like to talk to someone who has been there I would be willing to talk. My email address is a_butler0212@charter.net
10/29/2009 - A true HERO

Posted By: Michelle (Oxford, MI) | Hide
When things like this happen, it puts into prospective, what we take for granted, in every day life. I'm so sorry for your loss! Your son/husband/daddy was a very special person for doing what he did, so that we can be safe in our beds at night! HE IS A TRUE HERO!!!!
10/29/2009 - Mr

Posted By: Michael (St. Louis) | Hide
I and all members of the Michigan PGR offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Brandon. Rest in peace, Hero
10/28/2009 - srry

Posted By: sandra (st.helen) | Hide
my brother is in the army it makes me sad if my brother dies im so sorry
10/27/2009 - uncle

Posted By: w steffey (san antonio tx) | Hide
Remeber him fondly, and save for him a place in your hearts.
10/27/2009 - Fallen Soldier

Posted By: Fellow Handler (Ft. Hood/Afghanistan) | Hide
To Brandon's family I offer my depest condolences. Brandon gave his life so that others may live free.
10/27/2009 - friend

Posted By: Delia (kincheloe) | Hide
I am so deeply saddened by this news Rachel. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Brandon, but I am sure he was as kind and caring a person as his mom. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your family.
10/27/2009 - COMBAT Photographer

Posted By: Lenny (FOB Methar Lam, Afghanistan) | Hide
I want to thank Spc Steffey's Family for sharing him with us, I had the chance to meet and take pictures of him and Macy on our flight. My thoughts prayers and condolences are with you all Family and friends in his home town.
10/27/2009 - Appreciation

Posted By: (Sault Ste. Marie) | Hide
Our condolences as well as our sincere appreciation for his service to our country. He IS a hero.
10/27/2009 - thank you

Posted By: () | Hide
i'm sorry for the family and america's loss...but thank you
10/27/2009 - :(

Posted By: Christina (sault sainte marie) | Hide
I went to school with !randon for a very long time, we lived right down the road from each other and would walk home from school together. He would have given you the shirt off his back if you needed it. You really can't say enough about the people who fight for our freedom because thank you will never be enough. My heart goes out to his family his daughter will know he was a true hero!! Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
10/27/2009 - k-9

Posted By: Bryan () | Hide
I had the honor of working with Brandon as a dog handler in afghanistan. He was a great guy, loved is family and loved Michigan. He we be saddly missed at my kennels and my heart goes out to his family.
10/27/2009 - True Soldier

Posted By: Fellow Solider (Afghanistan) | Hide
He was true soldier that day and will be remembered forever. Everyone did there best.Prays form Afghanistan Troops!
10/27/2009 - Thanks to all

Posted By: The Smith Family (carlsbad) | Hide
Brandon will be missed by all who knew him our hearts go out to his family ,His wife Andi and doughter Abby Nana, Aunt Cindy, Aunt Denise,Uncle Sam, John Micheal and Katie
10/26/2009 - Pride in my heart and tears on my pillow

Posted By: Jan Bailey (Sault Ste Marie) | Hide
As an Army Mom my heart aches at the news of such a loss. We live with this possibility of this happening to any of us everyday they are gone away. You are in my thoughts and prayers Rachael, Dennis and family.
10/26/2009 - Thanks

Posted By: Laura (Saint Joseph MO) | Hide
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who is helping his family. I'm trying to help his wife as she is my cousin. For his parents I never met Brandon but from what I've been told about him he's a great guy. He will always be a Hero in my heart. Also I am going to get my work to do something good in his name. Either donate money to an organization that helps wounded soliders or sponser soliders overseas. This is the least I can do for family. Take care and much thoughts and prayers from us here in MO.
10/26/2009 - Thank you

Posted By: Lisa (kalkaska) | Hide
I just want to say thank you for serving our country. And to Brandon family I am sorry about your loss you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
10/26/2009 - nurse

Posted By: mckinley (sault sainte marie) | Hide
Im Brandons Uncle...I just want to thank the fine people that did the interview with his father and I regarding Brandon today. Christina and Aaron. They were professional, sympathetic,and curtious, they made a tough interview a bit easier to do. Please acknowledge these fine people who work for TV 9-10 news. Keep Brandon and his family and friends in your prayers. We also will keep Robyn Haines in our prayers....thanks so much...
10/26/2009 - Mr

Posted By: Mike (Soo) | Hide
Brandon was a great person. My kids grew-up around him.

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