Kirk Takeshi Fuchigami Jr. was called back home doing what he loved: serving his country and flying helicopters. He was born July 14, 1994, and passed away Nov. 20, 2019, while providing security for U.S. ground troops in Afghanistan.
Takeshi was raised in Hilo, Hawaii, and Henderson, Nevada. He graduated from Rancho High School in 2012. He was a member of JROTC and The Aviation Magnet Program, being one of the youngest in his school’s history to get a pilot’s license.
He served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kobe, Japan. He joined the military at age 22.
After basic training he attended the Warrant Officer Candidate School. He continued to flight school in Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he trained in an UH-72 Lakota and was selected to fly the AH-64 Apache.
He married his eternal companion, McKenzie Norman, of Corinne, Utah, in the Ogden LDS Temple in March 2019. Shortly afterwards they were stationed in Fort Hood, Texas.
Takeshi had many talents including flying helicopters, shooting, fishing, building things with his hands and receiving his black belt. Takeshi always stood up for his beliefs. He was ambitious, driven, and determined, and placed his priorities and values first. He was always true to his beliefs, but also considerate of others. He was often found doing small acts of service. He placed importance on relationships and serving others. He genuinely cared about people. He gave others the eternal perspective and attracted others with his vibrant light.
As a solider he was passionate about serving his country, and was honored with the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
He will be joining many of his loved ones on the other side.
He brought much joy to his wife and family. His death will not be considered a “goodbye,” but a “see you soon.”
His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
