A Marshfield family is grieving the death of their son who was killed in action while fighting in Ukraine. The news of his death comes on as war between Russia and Ukraine marks its one-year anniversary.
Andrew Peters, 28, died Feb. 16 while fighting alongside the International Legion of the Defense of Ukraine, according to an email sent to Wisconsin Public Radio by his father, John Peters.
“Andrew had a strong sense of what was right and wrong,” Peters said. “He felt the need to use his prior military combat skills to help the Ukrainian people fight and liberate their country. Andrew was extremely close to his fellow soldiers and was well liked by everyone. We are all extremely proud of his bravery and selfless sacrifice.”
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
The family is working with the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv to bring his remains home. Peters said they are sharing their story to remind fellow Americans that “the war in Ukraine isn’t just affecting Ukrainians.”
“We can confirm the deaths of U.S. citizens in Ukraine,” said a statement sent to WPR by a U.S. State Department spokesperson. “We are in touch with their respective families and providing all possible consular assistance.”
The International Legion in Ukraine was created by the Ukrainian Government in early 2022 to enlist foreign soldiers to help defend the country amid the Russian invasion.
Andrew Peters grew up in Marshfield and enlisted in the U.S. Army prior to graduating from Marshfield High School in 2012, according to the family. He served a tour in Afghanistan in 2014 and joined the International Legion in November.
“He felt his time of service was not over, and went to assist in Ukraine where he joined other countrymen and legionnaires from all over the world to assist with the defense of Ukraine,” Peters father said in a follow-up email to WPR.
He said Andrew was proficient in several languages including Russian, Ukrainian and French and loved hockey in school, joining an adult league after returning from his tour in Afghanistan.
John Peters is also a U.S. Army Veteran who served in the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
Wisconsin Public Radio, © Copyright 2024, Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Educational Communications Board.
