Illinois National Guard marks 15-year anniversary of the start of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan

SPRINGFIELD, IL (10/05/2016)(readMedia)-- Illinois National Guard marks 15-year anniversary of the start of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan

WHO:

Illinois National Guard

WHAT:

  Oct. 7 marks the 15-year anniversary of U.S. operations in Afghanistan and the first American strikes against Al Qaeda and Taliban targets inside Afghanistan.

  The Illinois National Guard will attempt to make Illinois National Guard service members who have deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan available for media interviews on Oct. 7.

WHY:

  Since operations began in Iraq and Afghanistan, approximately 20,000 Soldiers and Airmen from the Illinois National Guard have been deployed.

  A total of 255 service members from Illinois (all branches) have died as part of operations overseas since 9-11. Of those, 87 service members died as part of operations in Afghanistan.

  A total of 34 Illinois National Guardsmen have died in combat operations since 9-11. 19 of those service members (one Airman and 18 Soldiers) were part of U.S. military operations in Afghanistan.

  Call the Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office at 217-761-3569 if you would like to talk to a Soldier or Airman who has deployed in support of operations in Afghanistan.

WHEN: Friday October 07, 2016 at 03:00PM Central Time (US & Canada)
WHERE: Illinois
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