Pfc. Andrew Keller, 22, of Beaverton killed in Afghanistan
BEAVERTON, Ore. – A local soldier from Beaverton has died in combat in Afghanistan, according to his father who spoke with KATU News on Thursday.
Pfc. Andrew Keller, 22, had just been deployed about a month ago, according to family friends.
According to the Department of Defense, Keller was killed by small arms fire when his unit came under attack Aug. 15 in Charkh, which is about 50 miles south of Kabul.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, according to the military.
Keller was a standout member of the Southridge High School’s football team, a team captain and a multi-sport varsity athlete.
His father, Jeff Keller, was manager of the Murray Hill Little League team that went to the Little League World Series in 2006.
His younger brother, Derek Keller, was a member of that Little League team.
On Thurday, Keller's aunt sent KATU News this statement on behalf of her brother Jeff:
Andrew is a wonderful human being who deeply cared about his fellow soldiers, his family, and the ones he loved. Thank you for honoring this amazing man,
Sharon Dudley
RIP. Maybe one day america wll learn, and we will stop sending our own over there to die for no reason.Â
RIP soldier, To the Keller family, as a mom of a Marine, my heart goes out to you, there are no words that can ease your loss, please know that his memory will never be forgotten.
PFC Andrew Keller, you are hereby ordered to take your place among the best of the best, freedom fighters. May God Bless you young man, and may your rewards beyond this world be great. Sorry for your family.
Our hearts ache from this loss. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to the Keller family. John and I will pray for your family.
Our Condolences
The Wall Family
Rest in Peace, Soldier.  Prayers for the family. Â
That sucks to die in a war of greed and empire for absolutely nothing that benefits the American people whatsoever.There is no honor in unjust wars.
@Ol'Ironhead Honor comes from within, it is not bestowed or removed by governments that make bad decisions.
@Ol'Ironhead Yep, sounds like he had a bright future ahead of him; well, before the government got ahold of him anyway. Such a waste of a young life.
 @Ol'Ironhead Andrew is a true Hero and I will honor him the rest of my days.
My Condolences to the Keller Family. My heart hurts with yours. He was a good young man. Jeff I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today.
Â
Bryan Brezic