Photos Available for Three New York Army National Guard Soldiers Killed in Afghanistan

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LATHAM, NY (06/25/2008)(readMedia)-- Attached electronic images of Soldiers recently killed in combat duties overseas is now available from the forward deployed headquarters.

The Three members of the New York Army National Guard were killed in action outside Kandahar, Afghanistan on June 21.

Attached photos are for Sgt. Andrew Seabrooks, of South Ozone Park, Queens; Spc. Anthony Mangano, of Greenlawn, Suffolk County; and Sgt. Nelson Rodriguez-Ramirez, Revere, Mass. All three Soldiers were assigned to A Troop, Second Squadron 101st Cavalry, based in Geneva, Ontario County.

The three Soldiers were part of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix, a multi-national force of more than 8,000 U.S. and NATO service personnel training the Afghan National Army and Police. Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix is currently being led by the New York Army National Guard's 27th Brigade Combat Team, commanded by Col Brian Balfe.

The Soldiers and another member of the task force-Lt. Col James Walton of the 1st Infantry Division-- were killed in an ambush en route to a training location when their vehicle was attacked by an improvised explosive device and small arms fire.

Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General and commander of the New York Army National Guard, said Guard members across the state will mourn the loss of the Soldiers.

"We in the military understand that we may be called upon to pay the ultimate sacrifice," Major General Taluto said. "But we are always saddened when comrades in arms make those sacrifices."

"These three members of the Army National Guard died carrying out an important mission; training the Afghan forces to stand against elements that would return their country to the dark ages. We are proud of them and we will never forget them," Major General Taluto said.

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