One of Monroe’s own native sons dies in Afghanistan

MONROE — As a kid, Paul Voelke had his sights set on West Point for as long as anyone can remember. He always wanted to go there, his friends say. And he always wanted to serve his country in the Army afterward.

He got what he wanted. The Monroe resident, who graduated from Monroe-Woodbury in 1994, earned his place at the U.S. Military Academy. Then he earned his way to the rank of major in the Army after graduating from West Point in 1998.

And now he returns, this time to be buried at his beloved West Point after being killed in Afghanistan last Friday. He was 36 years old.

Voelke’s death is under investigation by the Army. It is described as non-combat-related, and no further details will be released until the investigation is complete. (See accompanying story.)

What is known, though, is that Voelke lived his entire life serving others – his school, his town, his country.

‘Well-rounded student’ At Monroe-Woodbury, he was a member of the National Honor Society, was among the district’s gifted and talented students, and was in the Interact Club, which focuses on community service. He was also a superior delegate for the school’s Model United Nation’s Club. He was a well-rounded student who also did well on the cross country and winter track teams.

It came as no surprise to anyone that West Point wanted Paul Voelke as much as he wanted West Point. He graduated in 1998 and went on to serve in the Army for 14 years, rising to the rank of major. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart in Georgia.

During his service to his country, he did two tours of duty in Iraq and was in the middle of his second deployment to Afghanistan at the time of his death. He had been awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and an Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

75 flags for the neighborhood But local residents know more about what kind of dad and husband he was than his bravery on the battlefield. When word got out that one of Monroe’s own died in Afghanistan, friends and acquaintances recalled that guy. The guy who married his childhood sweetheart, Traci. The guy who had two children he adored. The guy who took his family back home to Monroe for a visit whenever he could.

“He was a dedicated Army officer,” said one family friend of more than 20 years, who didn’t want her name used here. “But more important, he was a wonderful father and husband. All we can do now is be grateful for his service to our country.”

One Monroe resident brought her 75 flags to be given out in the neighborhood where Voelke grew up. They will be there when his family returns from a memorial service now being held by his regiment in Fort Stewart. Another service will be held in Monroe at a date to be announced.

Meanwhile, flags are being flown at half-mast in the Village and Town of Monroe and in Albany in honor of Paul C. Voelke. He will be sorely missed.

Editor’s note: Funeral arrangements for U.S. Army Maj. Paul Voelke are being handled by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Homes.

Visitation: Thursday, July 5, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home, 117 Maple Ave., Monroe, NY 10950

Mass: Friday, July 6, 10 a.m. Most Holy Trinity Chapel, West Point.

Interment: Post Cemetery, West Point

Claudia Wysocki, Nancy Kriz and Beth Quinn contributed to this story.

Half a world away, what happened to Major Paul Voelke?

MONROE — The Department of Defense has released very little information about the circumstances surrounding the death of Major Paul C. Voelke in Afghanistan on June 22.

What is known officially is that Voelke was in the middle of a nine-month tour of duty in Afghanistan when he died from non-combat-related injuries in the town of Mazar E. Sharif, according to the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division’s public affairs office. The matter is under investigation, and more details will be released once the investigation is complete.

However, a few more details can be found on the Facebook page of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division, in which Voelke served. From that source, it appears that Voelke was struck and killed by an Army vehicle. The vehicle that killed him is described as “mine-resistant” and “ambush-protected.”

Beyond that, no information has yet been released about who was driving the vehicle, the time of day or night it happened, or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Tributes Praise and tributes for Maj. Paul Voelke have been voiced throughout Monroe and Orange County and on up to the state capital in the week since the Monroe native died in Afghanistan. Here are some of the words that have been spoken about the respected soldier and beloved family man.

“The Village of Monroe is saddened by the news that one of its own lost his life during Operation Enduring Freedom. The country shares its deepest sympathy for Major Paul Voelke and his family. We are very proud to have a former resident and graduate of Monroe-Woodbury to have served his country.”

James. C. Purcell, mayor, Village of Monroe

“Our hearts go out to the family and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.”

Sandy Leonard, supervisor, Town of Monroe

“Our hearts and prayers go out to Maj. Voelke’s family and loved ones. To his wife and children, the people of Monroe want you to know our everlasting gratitude, and we support you in this tragic moment.”

Gerry McQuade, councilman, Town of Monroe

“Members of the Orange County American Legion are deeply saddened by the loss of Major Pasul C. Voelke of Monroe. Our hearts go out to the family, and we are ready to assist in any way we can.”

Jerrold Oser, commander; Paul Oser, vice-commander, Mulligan-Eden American Legion Post 1573

“We will forever be grateful for his service and his dedication to our nation.

Andrew Cuomo, governor, New York State