A marine from northern Virginia was killed in Afghanistan Friday, the Pentagon said.
Gunnery Sgt. Ryan Jeschke, 31, of Herndon, Va., died while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.
Jeschke, a 12-year veteran of the Corps, was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Camp Pendleton, Calif. He was an airborne parachutist, combatant diver and first-degree black belt in the Marine Corps martial arts programs.
In his military career, Jeschke was decorated with a Purple Heart, four Navy-Marine Corps Achievement medals (one with combat V), two Combat Action Ribbons and four Good Conduct medals.
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