According to a press release from Governor Mike Rounds, Specialist Estell L. Turner, age 43, of Sioux Falls died on Wednesday, July 2nd at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.  He suffered wounds on June 28th in Afghanistan when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device.  He was a motor transport operator assigned to Echo Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. 

He is survived by his wife, Leah, of Sioux Falls, daughter Lyda, of Broadway, NC, and mother, Gloria Turner or Jackson, KY.

Turner entered the Army in May 2004 and arrived at Fort Campbell in June of 2007.  Turner's awards include:  Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Army Overseas Ribbon; and the Purple Heart Medal. 

Governor Mike Rounds says, "During this Independence Day Weekend, we ask all South Dakotans to keep Specialist Turner and his family in your thoughts and prayers." 

A memorial service for the fallen soldier will be held in Afghanistan.  Memorial and funeral services will be held in Kentucky.