ENDLESS WAR

U.S. Army Identifies Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

Matthew Thompson was killed by an IED blast.

The Pentagon has identified the soldier who was killed Tuesday in Afghanistan as Army Staff Sgt. Matthew V. Thompson. According to Gen. Joseph L. Votel, U.S. Central Command commander, the 28-year-old soldier died from injuries sustained during IED blast in Helmand province. Votel said in a Wednesday statement: "On behalf of the men and women of U.S. Central Command, I extend our sincere condolences to the family, friends and Sgt. Thompson's fellow service members, as well as gratitude for his selfless and honorable service to our nation." Another American was injured in the event, which occurred during a patrol; six Afghans were also wounded. According to The Washington Post, Thompson hailed from Irvine, Calif., was married, and was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart.

— Olivia Messer