I Got The News Today (IGTNT), which is one of the oldest continuous series on Daily Kos, provides members of this community a venue to pay their respects to those who have died as a result of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and in Operation Inherent Resolve. The IGTNT title is a reminder that far too often the family of an active duty service member receives the terrible news that their beloved has died.

This is first death of an American service member by ISIS attack in Iraq since the start of Operation Inherent Resolve.

This is first death of an American service member by ISIS attack in Iraq since the start of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin, 27, of Temecula, California, died March 19 at a coalition fire base near Makhmur in northern Iraq, from wounds suffered when ISIS attacked his unit with rocket fire. Eight other Marines were wounded in the attack.

Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin, 27, of Temecula, California, died March 19 at a coalition fire base near Makhmur in northern Iraq, from wounds suffered when ISIS attacked his unit with rocket fire. Eight other Marines were wounded in the attack.

The Department of Defense has announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

The Department of Defense has announced the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin

Staff Sgt Cardin grew up in Anza and Aguanga before his family moved to Temecula, CA. He was a graduate of Chaparral High School. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2006 as a field artillery Marine, and was based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

He deployed to Iraq once before and to Afghanistan three times. He was not married and had no children.

His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal, three Marine Corps Good Conduct medals, three Afghanistan Campaign medals, Iraq Campaign medal, National Defense Service medal, Presidential Unit Citation-Navy, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and three Sea Service Deployment ribbons.

Vincent Cardin, 33, of Hemet, recalled his younger brother, who would have turned 28 on April 27, as a funny man. He said he most recently heard from his brother March 10 via a Facebook message, when the siblings discussed getting their mother a ring for her birthday containing all of their birthstones.

Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin

Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of U.S. Central Command, said:

“We deeply mourn the loss of one of our own, Marine Staff Sergeant Louis F. Cardin. Staff Sergeant Cardin and the other Marines injured in the attack yesterday on the base near Makhmour in northern Iraq were there to provide force protection capability in support of the fight against Daesh. Staff Sergeant Cardin’s service and his many important contributions will long be remembered by his fellow Marines, his teammates at United States Central Command, and a grateful nation. Our gratitude and heartfelt condolences go out to this young man’s family and friends.”

President Obama said in a statement:

"During this weekend, I received news that one of our outstanding United States armed service members, Marine Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin of Temecula, California was killed in Northern Iraq, as we assisted the Iraqi government in dealing with ISIS, the terrorist organization there. And I just wanted to give my thoughts and prayers to the family there and those who have been injured. It's a reminder that even as we embark on this historic visit, there are U.S. armed service members who are sacrificing each and every day, on behalf of our freedom and our safety. So I am grateful to them."

Governor Brown's office released this statement:

On behalf of all Californians, Governor Brown and First Lady Anne Gust Brown honor Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin, who bravely gave his life in service to our state and nation. The Governor and First Lady extend their deepest condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. In memorial, Governor Brown ordered that flags be flown at half-staff over the State Capitol. Staff Sgt. Cardin's family will receive a letter of condolence from the Governor.

Rest in peace, Staff Sgt. Louis F. Cardin. You have served with honor.

Please send healing thoughts and prayers to the Marines who were wounded in the attack.

Special thanks to JaxDem for her technical assistance with this tribute.

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