PLYMOUTH, Minn. - The memory of a Rosemount man, who was the first openly gay soldier to die in combat, is being honored by a Twin Cities artist.
A portrait of Corporal Andrew Wilfahrt was unveiled on Thursday at the home studio of Anthony Whelihan.
Wilfahrt died in February 2011 while serving in Afghanistan at the age of 31.
Andrew came out to his parents when he was 16, but went back into the closet when he enlisted. That was when the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy was still in place.
Whelihan says he became inspired to create the portrait after hearing Andrew's parents speak at a fundraiser.
The portrait is also intended to honor all fallen soldiers.
Proceeds will benefit the affordable housing nonprofit Common-Bond Communities as well as Out-Front Minnesota.
(Copyright 2012 by KARE. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)