An Army Blackhawk pilot from Fairfax, Va., was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan, where his unit was just deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom this month.
First Lt. Robert J. Hess, 26, was killed after sustaining wounds from enemy indirect fire.
The highly decorated soldier was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.
Hess attended Old Dominion University where he majored in criminal justice and was a member of the swimming and diving team. A graduate of Robinson High School in Fairfax, Hess played linebacker on a state championship-winning football team. He also swam for three years at Robinson, garnering three state championships.
He joined the Army in 2010.
Captain Aaron R. Blanchard, 32, of Selah, Wash., also was killed.
Hess is survived by his mother, father and brother.