Kansas Guardsman is Latest Casualty in Iraq

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Fort Riley Soldier Killed in Seperate Attack
Posted: 5:01 PM Aug 1, 2007
Last Updated: 12:38 PM Aug 2, 2007
Email Address: news@kake.com

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Staff Sgt. Travis S. Bachman, 30, a member of the 1st Battalion, 161st Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard, died Wednesday, August 1 at approximately 5:10 a.m. when an improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle.

Photos of Sgt Bachman can be seen below.

“My sincere condolences go out to Travis’ family and friends,” said Maj. Gen. Tod Bunting, the adjutant general. “He was a man who loved his country and loved being a Guardsman. He will be missed and remembered. This country was made great and remains so today thanks to valiant patriots like Sgt. Bachman.”

Bachman, a resident of Garden City, Kan., deployed to Iraq with the 714th Security Forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He enlisted with the Kansas National Guard in 1993 while still in high school.

Bachman deployed for Operation Noble Eagle in 2002, providing security at military bases in Kansas.

He is survived by his wife, Amber, three children, and his parents, Rodney and Connie Bachmann, Garden City.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

The Department of Defense announced that a soldier based at Fort Riley was killed last week. Spc. Camy Florexil, 20, died July 24 in Baghdad of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle during combat operations July 23 in Baghdad.

Florexil was an infantryman assigned to 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division. His
home of record is Philadelphia.

He entered the Army in September 2005 and began serving with the 1st
Inf. Div. in February 2006. This was his first deployment in support of
the Global War on Terrorism.

To date, 119 Fort Riley Soldiers have been killed while serving in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Additionally, one transition team Air Force Airman was killed July 9 in
Afghanistan.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Crystal Location: Farwell Tx on Aug 11, 2007 at 12:21 AM
Travis, I remember our long drive to Amaillo, trying to get me convinced that joining the National Guard was the thing to do. Though things didn't work out with that, you talked about so many things on that drive that have stayed with me through all these years.. Amber I know that it isn't easy for you or your children right now. And I hope that if you need someone to talk to I can be that ear like Travis was for me at one time. Rest In Peace Travis, You will alwaysbe in my heart and prayers....God bless you for everything that you have done..

Posted by: Becky Location: KS on Aug 8, 2007 at 11:35 PM
My sincere condolences to Travis' family. I've known Travis since childhood and remember the countless adventures with him and other friends in Garden City. His personality was contagious! Travis was a gentleman, a man of integrity, and a good friend. Travis died doing what he loved to do; protect his friends, family, and his country. He will be missed by everyone that knew him. Travis; we'll see you again in Heaven.

Posted by: Marquis Lamar Location: Iraq on Aug 7, 2007 at 09:42 PM
FIRST OF ALL MY CONDOLENSCES GOES OUT TO SSG BACHMAN'S FAMILY. IM A CIVILAN WORKING AT THE MCT STAGING YARD IN Q-WEST, EVERYNIGHT I COME IN CONTACT WITH THE CONVOY COMMANDERS AND SOME SOLDIERS OF THE 714TH AND OTHER UNITS GOING ON THE ROAD. I ISSUE THEM THERE TRIP TICKETS SO THEY CAN GO ON THE ROAD.. JUST BY SSG B'S DEMEANOR I KNEW HE WAS A GREAT NCO, AND LEADER!! HE KNEW HIS JOB LIKE THE BACK OF HIS HAND. HE ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO BRIGHTEN UP EVERYONES DAY IN OUR OFFICE! WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS FROM SGT. J, IT REALLY HURT ME!! SSG B, YOU WILL BE MISSED DEARLY. WATCH OVER ALL OF US!

Posted by: Randi & Teresa Location: Albuquerque, NM on Aug 7, 2007 at 07:50 PM
Travis,as you pass through heavens gate, hold your head high. Watch over us left to wonder why? We are so proud of the happy little boy you were, the sweet young man you grew into, and the fine soldier you became. We thank God for you and the men and women like you who are making sure our daily routines remain....routine. From so many years ago of baby sitting you to now having to say good bye, i wish this day never had to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Uncle Randi & Aunt Teresa.

Posted by: SGT Celis Location: Overland Park, KS on Aug 7, 2007 at 02:45 PM
SSG Bachman I will miss you and and I am sorry I never got to see you again to say thank you. You will live on through the lives of those you have led. Thank you for being what an NCO should be, a man who takes care of his troops and leads by example. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Posted by: SPC Heath Albert Location: Plainville, KS on Aug 7, 2007 at 06:12 AM
I served with SSG Travis Bachman the entire time he spent in Iraq as a member of his squad, gunner for his vehicle for the first 8 months, and friend. Travis was probably the most well liked soldier on the deployment, not only for his personality, but also for his knowledge and common sense. During off-duty time he would have barbeques outside of his living area and offer everybody walking by ribs or a Dr. Pepper to drink. Travis moved on by leading from the front and while teaching another to do the same. It's a quality that he preached and lived himself. By the members of the 714th, as well as many others, Travis will be sorely missed.

Posted by: June Street Friends Location: Clovis, N.M. on Aug 6, 2007 at 10:22 PM
To the entire family of Travis, the neighbors of Rick and Linda Madera, want to say how sorry we are for your loss. It is hard to understand why our love ones are taken from us, the one thing that can't be taken are the wonderful memories that we have and I know that you all have some wonderful memories of Travis. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Posted by: EDWARD Location: madrid-spain on Aug 6, 2007 at 01:19 AM
In the first place I want to give my respects to the family of this nice man that have being killed in Irak.I think the american society has already paid a big price in Irak. Maybe it´s time for the us troops to go back to their country. I think the life of a us citizen is more important than all the oil of Irak. Now Sadam is dead, there is a democratic system in Irak...i think it is not necesary to loose more american lives in Irak. I really admire us people, all the us citizens i met here in madrid were very very nice people. Please don´t understand these words like a critic to the us people or us troops. I suffer when i read that a young us citizen has died in Irak.

Posted by: CPL Hughes Location: Lacrosse on Aug 5, 2007 at 03:05 AM
Travis, You were my main receiver wheather in playing football in Kosovo or the problems in life. You taught me so much. I will miss you brother. If heaven has interet remember.."I'm not touching you" Your family will always be in my prayers. Love ya brother

Posted by: Sgt. Antrim Location: Iraq on Aug 5, 2007 at 02:58 AM
Travis it was an honor to be able to serve with you and to be able to Live with you. You tought me so much and I will never forget you. You and your family will be in my Heart forever. Ssg Bachman was the best NCO that we had in the company always looking after his troops. I can so for all of us in 2nd PLT you are missed and we Love you and you and your family are in our Prayer's

Posted by: Becca Location: Thomas Oklahoma on Aug 5, 2007 at 02:05 AM
Travis I have known you almost all my life, when you lived in Borger and played football with my brother Bobby and when we met again in Garden City when we worked together. I will never forget you and the friendship you showed me & George.You were always there for me when I needed you. I will keep You, Amber, and the kids in my heart and prayers always. Amber he loves you so much and always will.He will always be watching over you and the kids.

Posted by: Rick & Linda Location: Clovis NM on Aug 4, 2007 at 01:27 PM
An American Solider - You Will Be Missed Travis, what a remarkable person. Anyone that knew you will miss you beyond what mere words can express. We love you and hold you in our hearts. Our prayers and deepest sympathies to Amber, Tyler, Kaleigh and Zack. Rodney and Connie raised an exceptional young man. He was a dear brother to Crystal and Bill. Uncle Rick & Aunt Linda

Posted by: Hazel Location: Cleveland MO on Aug 4, 2007 at 09:57 AM
I wish to offer my condolences to the family of Sgt Bachman of behalf of my husband Sgt Henkensiefken who is currently serving with the 714th Security Forces Unit in Iraq. My husband has stated that Sgt Bachman was the best Convoy Commander they had with the unit and he will certainly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

Posted by: Jill Location: Cox on Aug 3, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Travis you are truely missed. You are a wonderful husband, father, and friend. We grew up together and lots of fond memories. My prayers and thoughts are with your family!!!

Posted by: Kinzie Location: Garden City on Aug 3, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Uncle Travis......you will be missed by us all.....i love you alot....and i know that you will be watching us at everything we do and acomplish in our lives! i LOVE YOU ALOT! KINZIE<3

Posted by: Kacie Location: Garden City on Aug 3, 2007 at 01:49 AM
Travis will be missed by many. He was a great man and friend to everyone. He served his country with Honor and Pride. Your family is in our hearts and prayers in their time of grief.

Posted by: Brian Location: Denver, CO on Aug 2, 2007 at 09:02 PM
Travis will be greatly missed. I worked with his parents and his sister in Garden City for many years. They are people who will do anything for anyone, and then some. Rod, Connie and Crystal, my families thoughts are with you and your family. Brian, Robert, Marilyn, Shannon and family.

Posted by: Tammy Caple (Legleiter) Location: Hutchinson, KS on Aug 2, 2007 at 08:33 PM
Thank you Travis for your friendship and being a fellow soldier. Thank you for being there for me when I got married and when I lost my father. You will be missed and never forgotten. My condolences go out to your family. God Bless.

Posted by: Debra Location: Hopkins on Aug 2, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Travis will be missed. He was such a good guy had the highest respect for his family and friends, and loved serving his country. Sad day to see him go! Lots of Love to his family, he will be missed by many!

Posted by: Nathan Location: Garden city on Aug 2, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Travis i will miss you very much...And i know that you will still be there watching my baseball games and thank you for being the coolest uncle and doin watever i needed or anyone needed you wil be missed VERY MUCH LOVE NATE

Posted by: Nora Location: WI on Aug 2, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Thank you SSG Bachman. Our country is better for your honorable sacrifice. My condolences to your family - specifically Tyler, Kaleigh, and Zack who lost you far too soon.

Posted by: a soliders sister Location: Brownsville TX on Aug 2, 2007 at 11:18 AM
I wanted to express my condolences to his wife, kids and parents. When I attend school and later worked with Travis at walmart he was a very good hearted and trustworthy person. ALso,there is no greater gift Travis could of gave to his country than his life. There is no greater sacrifice a family can make, than giving up their loved one for their country. Be proud of him. He was a great man. May God bless you all and comfort you in this time of need.

Posted by: everettmyers Location: stafford kansas on Aug 2, 2007 at 07:05 AM
Travis was my best friend. I will miss you with all my heart and pray for your family. I will never forget you and all that we ahve done together, you were a true freind and I will miss you.

Posted by: Sean & Michele Location: Leander, Texas on Aug 2, 2007 at 02:06 AM
Travis, your Aunt and Uncle will miss you as will all that loved you...

Posted by: SGT Bryson Location: Iraq on Aug 2, 2007 at 12:28 AM
SSG Bachman was the epitome of a leader. In my mind he was the best Convoy Commander we had in Iraq and one of the best Non Commissioned Officers. SSG you are missed. My condolences to his family.

Posted by: A soldiers mom Location: Kansas on Aug 1, 2007 at 11:47 PM
TO Travis's family, my condolences. He is a true American hero. There is no greater gift a man can give to his country than his life. There is no greater sacrifice a family can make, than giving up their loved one for their country. Be proud of him. He was a great man. He will walk with you always.

Posted by: Brian Location: California on Aug 1, 2007 at 06:26 PM
Travis is certainly the epitome of patriotism. I have always respected him for his dedication to family and country. Travis, you will be missed by many and may your life be celebrated with the same passion you gave to this country. Thank you, Sir. Brian Sharp

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