Saint Anselm Mourns Fallen Hero, Marine Capt. Kyle Van De Giesen '02

Dear Alumni and Friends:

We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of a member of our Saint Anselm community. Marine Captain Kyle Van De Giesen '02 was killed in a helicopter crash Monday while serving as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan. He was one of 14 Americans who died in two helicopter accidents in that country.

We mourn the passing of any member of the Saint Anselm College community, but the loss of an alumnus so young and who sacrificed his life in the service of our country is profoundly sorrowful.

I am sure that many of you remember Kyle as an upstanding young man, a dedicated student, and a talented athlete. His passion for a career as a Marine pilot was evident in the military bearing he held while still a student.

Kyle died doing what he most passionately wanted to do, protecting his country and family. "He wanted to wear the uniform and do the job," said former classmate and teammate Geoff Raby '02, himself a police officer in Nashua N.H.

That knowledge gives those who loved Kyle the best and will miss him the most some measure of solace.

A criminal justice major, Kyle was recruited by Saint Anselm for the team that would bring football back to the college after 58 years. His quarterbacking performance in that first game of the 1999 season against UMass Lowell made him one of the all-time leaders in school history.

Kyle played only a single varsity season, however, and then turned his considerable focus to his studies and to pursue his military dream.

Kyle is one of many Saint Anselm alumni who have served and continue to serve with distinction in our country's military. We recognize the contributions of all our military alumni, as we extend our deepest sympathies to family and loved ones of Kyle, especially his wife, Megan, who is expecting their first son, and their daughter, Avery.

The football team will hold a moment of silence during the home game on Saturday, Oct. 31. Since the funeral arrangements are as yet unknown, we will wait to plan a campus memorial service. I will keep you informed of information as appropriate and it will also be available on the alumni web site and the college Web site, where you may also leave any personal remembrances of Kyle on the college blog. In the meantime, please keep Kyle and his family in your prayers.

May Kyle receive the rewards promised to the faithful servants of the Lord.

Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B.

We invite you to honor Kyle with your remembrances and comments, which you can post on the Saint Anselm College Blog.

Read more about Kyle as an athlete and student