Cpl. Timothy "T.J." John Conrad Jr. one of two soldiers killed over Quran burning

Soldier with ties to Newport News is killed in Afghanistan

By Hugh Lessig
February 24, 2012

Cpl. Timothy John Conrad Jr., better known as "T.J.," would have celebrated his 23rd birthday on March 6. He was killed by an Afghan soldier or a man dressed in Afghan military fatigues, who then fled the scene.

A soldier with ties to Newport News was one of two American service members killed Thursday in Afghanistan during protests over the burning of Qurans at a U.S. base, family members confirmed.

Cpl. Timothy John Conrad Jr., better known as "T.J.," would have celebrated his 23rd birthday on March 6. He was killed by an Afghan soldier or a man dressed in Afghan military fatigues, who then fled the scene.

Conrad's wife, Holly, and their 7-month-old son, Bentley, live in Georgia where T.J. was stationed.

"He was a dedicated dad and husband," said Meland. "He joked a lot – a really funny guy. He had a lot of energy."

Conrad was looking forward to a promotion to sergeant and planned on re-enlisting for a move to Fort Eustis so he could be closer to his family, Meland said. He had deployed in January – his first to Afghanistan — with the 549th MP Company out of Fort Stewart, Ga.
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