Bolinski, Holli Rose

Also known as: SGT, 657TH TRANSPORTATION CO, 419TH TRANSPORTATION BATTALION, 103RD SUSTAINMENT CMD, MOUNT VERNON, IL

Combatant

Female Verified

DiedMarch 5, 2019

Age37 years old

Location of DeathCAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

Cause of DeathWounds sustained in a non-combat related incident

Conflict Operation Inherent Resolve

Sgt. Holli Rose Bolinski, 37, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, was a U.S. Army soldier serving with the 657th Transportation Company. She was killed in action at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, on March 5, 2019.

Their Story

Sgt. Holli Rose Bolinski was a 37-year-old soldier from Pinckneyville, Illinois. She served with the 657th Transportation Company, 419th Transportation Battalion, part of the Illinois Army National Guard's 103rd Sustainment Command based in Mount Vernon. Her unit was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Bolinski died on March 5, 2019, from wounds sustained in a non-combat related incident at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The Army did not release further specifics about the circumstances. She was the first Illinois National Guard soldier to die in the Operation Inherent Resolve mission area.

Operation Inherent Resolve is the U.S.-led military intervention against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria. It began in August 2014 after ISIS seized large territories, including the city of Mosul. The mission involves coalition forces providing air support, training, and logistical assistance to local partner forces.

Following her death, the Illinois National Guard and community leaders in Pinckneyville and Mount Vernon held memorials. Her body was returned to Illinois with military honors. The Army's investigation into the incident was completed, but its findings were not made public.

Bolinski was posthumously promoted from specialist to sergeant. She is remembered by her unit as a dedicated soldier. Her name is listed on the Illinois Fallen Heroes Memorial.