WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon has identified two U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan while involved in combat operations Friday in Kunduz Province.
The men were identified Saturday as Spc. Joseph P. Collette, 29, of Lancaster, Ohio, and Sgt. 1st Class Will D. Lindsay, 33, of Cortez, Colorado. Collette was assigned to the 242nd Ordnance Battalion, 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, and Lindsay was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Both were based at Fort Carson, Colorado.
"The 71st Ordnance Group ... is deeply saddened by the loss of Spc. Joseph P. Collette. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends," Col. David K. Green, commander of 71st Ordnance Group, said in a statement.
The fatalities bring to four the number of U.S. soldiers killed so far this year in Afghanistan. The deaths underscore the difficulties in bringing peace to the war-ravaged country.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced all flags across Fairfield County and the Ohio Statehouse would be lowered to half-staff in Collette's honor, and issued the following statement:
"Fran and I offer our deepest condolences to Spc. Joseph Collette's family and to his fellow soldiers in the U.S. Army's 242nd Ordnance Battalion, 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group. Ohio is proud of Spc. Collette's service and will never forget his sacrifice."
