Combat medic wounded in Afghanistan last year passed away

Army medic dies of Afghanistan injuries
The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Nov 26, 2012

ROCKFORD, Mich. — A 24-year-old Army medic from western Michigan who enlisted in the military because of the poor job market in 2009 died from injuries he sustained while serving in Afghanistan, it was announced Monday.

Spc. Zachary Shanafelt of Grand Rapids was hurt in an accident last year and died Wednesday at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, said Pederson Funeral Home in Rockford. He was serving as a field medic with a unit based in Fariyab province.

Shanafelt underwent treatment at hospitals in Germany and the U.S., according to Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Arnold, a military liaison official.