CRANSTON, R.I. -- A 30-year-old New Jersey man who served the Rhode Island National Guard as a weapons sergeant died Saturday from wounds inflicted by small-arms fire in eastern Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt. Timothy Raymond McGill was assigned to Company A, 2nd Battalion 19th Special Forces, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
It was unclear Saturday night if the incident involving McGill was related to an attack in Gardez that killed three U.S. soldiers. In that case, an Afghan wearing a security forces uniform turned his weapon against U.S. troops in another apparent attack by a member of the Afghan forces against their international allies, according to the Associated Press.
McGill joined the military on Aug. 31, 2001, first serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, according to a news release issued by the Rhode Island National Guard.
He deployed with the Marines in support of Iraqi Freedom on Jan. 8, 2005, and returned to his hometown before resuming his military career, according to the release. McGill joined the Rhode Island National Guard in June 2008, and was assigned as an anti-armor specialist with Charlie Company, 1st Battalion 200th Infantry, the release states.
On June 5, 2011, McGill successfully completed the rigorous Special Forces qualification course, and was assigned to Company A as a weapons sergeant.
"Sadly, today we realized the sixth death of a Rhode Island National Guard Soldier in a combat zone since 9/11 and we are once again reminded of the enduring sacrifice our soldiers and airmen have made, and continue to make, in service to this great country," said Major General Kevin R. McBride, adjutant general and commanding general of the Rhode Island National Guard.