Saturday Marked 7 Years Since Westwood Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Was Killed In Afghanistan

WESTWOOD, N.J. — It was seven years ago Saturday that one of Westwood's own died defending the United States.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher R. Hrbek, 25, died Jan. 14, 2010 in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Hrbek was a field artillery cannoneer with the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. He died conducting combat operations, the U.S. Marine Corps said in a statement shortly after Hrbek died. He saved the life of Sgt. Maj. Raymond Mackey after an improvised explosive device instantly blew off both of Mackey's legs during a firefight Dec. 23. Hrbek rushed through enemy fire and applied multiple tourniquets, saving his life.

Hrbek was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star. He also received two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Combat Action Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal.

Sean Toale, a childhood friend of Hrbek, said, "he always stood for something."

Hrbek joined the Marine Corps in 2003. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2005 and twice to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007 and from August 2008 to March 2009.

The Sgt. Christopher Hrbek Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduating student at Westwood High School. The $2,500 scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a commitment to pursuing a career involving service to others.

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Photo: People lined the street and held flags in honor of Sgt. Christopher Hrbek during his funeral service in 2010. Hrbek as killed in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. — Public domain photo