Twenty-nine-year-old Virginia Staff Sgt. Ian McLaughlin and 21-year-old Illinois Pfc. Miguel Villalon have been identified as the pair of U.S. servicemen killed in Afghanistan on Saturday.
An improvised explosive device struck the vehicle McLaughlin and Villalon were traveling in, killing both men. The Taliban immediately took credit for the attack in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province.
McLaughlin, of Newport News, Virginia, is survived by his wife and four children. Villalon, of Joliet, Illinois, is survived by his parents.
“These paratroopers represent the very best of our Nation and our Army. Three time volunteers, they went when our Nation called and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Maj. Gen. James Mingus said in the statement. “They will be honored, mourned, but never forgotten and we are committed to taking care of their families for life.”
A Twitter account for Villalon’s hometown of Aurora, Illinois, posted a memorial message on Saturday.
“Tonight, the Aurora community mourns the heartbreaking loss of Miguel Villalon. He was one of two U.S. service members who passed away today while serving in Afghanistan. TA former student at East Aurora High School, Miguel was proud to serve in the United States Army,” the message said.
?? ❤️Tonight, the Aurora community mourns the heartbreaking loss of Miguel Villalon, 21. He was one of two U.S. service members who passed away today while serving in Afghanistan. TA former student at East Aurora High School, Miguel was proud to serve in the United States Army. pic.twitter.com/4xzYPl8p5S
— City of Aurora, IL (@CityofAuroraIL) January 12, 2020
Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, an Army veteran, released a separate statement on Villalon’s death.
“Our prayers and condolences are with the Villalon family during this tragic time,” Irvin said. “Miguel was a young soldier with dreams for the future and a desire to make a difference in the world today.”
“Much like all of us who have left from our hometown of Aurora to serve our country, our goal is to do our job well and return to our family and friends,” Irvin continued. “Sadly, Miguel made the ultimate sacrifice as he protected our freedom from the front lines. The City of Lights shines much dimmer because of this loss. We’ll stand with his family and provide support. Godspeed, young soldier.”
Both soldiers were assigned to 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. They were conducting operations as part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission, and the incident that led to their deaths is under investigation.
