Community mourns Minn. Air Force Major killed in Afghanistan

(KMSP) - Grief and heartache filled Plymouth and Wayzata on Wednesday night as friends and family mourn the loss of an American hero, Adrianna Vorderbruggen an Air Force Major killed serving our country in Afghanistan.

“Doesn't hit you until it hits close to home -- this isn't only Minnesota, Plymouth. Someone we know, someone that was part of our lives. I have always looked at my players as a daughter. She was one of those. It really hits close to home this time of season,” Wayzata High School soccer coach Tony Peszneker said.

It has been nearly two decades, but coach Peszneker cherishes the photos and the memories of Adrianna's four-year varsity run with the Trojans. She is still No. 2 when it comes to the all-time assist leaders in the powerhouse Wayzata program.

The wife and mom was killed in a suicide attack near Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan on Monday. Adrianna was one of the first openly gay Air Force officers to marry her life partner and fought for the rights of gay and lesbian service members. Her fellow airmen honored her and the five others who died in the attack, praying before their boots at their base in Afghanistan. Gov. Dayton described the loss as a dagger to the heart at Christmas.

“She's a true American hero and she paid the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of our country and freedom abroad.  And so I thank her for extraordinary dedication to serving our country,” he said.

Adrianna’s father told the Associated Press that his daughter "loved life" and "loved the military."
She is survived by her wife and her young son Jacob. According to national media reports, the family was in Dover, Delaware today to receive her remains at a special Air Force ceremony.