FORT DRUM (AP) -- Defense department officials say enemy forces have killed a 31-year-old upstate New York soldier in Afghanistan.
Pfc. Jeremiah Monroe of Brant Lake was killed Thursday in Kandahar when his vehicle was hit with an improvised explosive device.
Monroe was a combat engineer with the 10th Mountain Division's 630th Engineer Co. based at Fort Drum in northern New York. It was his first deployment.
Monroe joined the Army in March 2008 and arrived at Fort Drum in July 2008.
He is survived by his wife, daughter, brother and mother.
Monroe's awards and decorations included the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge.
Brant Lake is 70 miles north of Albany.
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