Two S.C. Army National Guard soldiers have been killed while serving in Afghanistan, the guard announced Monday.
Specialist Luther Rabon, 32, of Lexington, and Staff Sgt. Willie Harley, 48, of Aiken, were killed Friday after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device, or IED.
Both men were assigned to the 1221 Engineer Clearance Company of the S.C. Army National Guard, with units stationed in Graniteville and Batesburg.
Two S.C. Army National Guard soldiers have been killed while serving in Afghanistan, the guard announced Monday.
Specialist Luther Rabon, 32, of Lexington, and Staff Sgt. Willie Harley, 48, of Aiken, were killed Friday after their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device, or IED.
Both men were assigned to the 1221 Engineer Clearance Company of the S.C. Army National Guard, with units stationed in Graniteville and Batesburg.
Its mission is to clear roadways for military convoys. The 1221st deployed to Afghanistan in July 2010. The unit is scheduled to return home next summer.
Maj. Gen. Stanhope S. Spears, the adjutant general for South Carolina, issued a statement, saying: "Specialist Rabon and Staff Sergeant Harley were serving their country with honor and pride. The South Carolina National Guard has lost two more members of our family. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends."
According to SC National Guard spokesman Colonel Pete Brooks, the S.C. National Guard has lost 13 soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
