NC-based Marine from Va. killed in Afghanistan

SUFFOLK, Va. (AP) — The Defense Department says a 28-year-old Marine from Virginia has been killed while conducting combat operations in Afghanistan.

The Defense Department says Sgt. Charles C. Strong of Suffolk died Monday in Herat province.

The Marines say Strong was a critical skills operator assigned to the 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Strong enlisted in 2003, was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and joined Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command in 2013.

In 2011, Strong deployed to Afghanistan as a team leader and navigator for all logistical mounted patrols.

Prior to that, he had deployed to Iraq twice. In 2005, he was there as a motor transport operator. In 2006, he deployed there as the only vehicle recovery operator for his battalion and supporting units.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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