Fort Lee soldier killed in Afghanistan

The U.S. soldier killed in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, on New Year's Day has been identified by the U.S. Army as Mihail Golin of Fort Lee.

Sen. Cory Booker said in a statement that Golin, a sergeant first class, "served our nation with courage and distinction."

"Let us honor Sergeant Golin's extraordinary courage by reflecting on his commitment to the nation he loved and by recognizing the profound debt of gratitude we owe to him and his family for their sacrifice," the statement said.

Golin, 34, was killed in combat in an incident that saw four other soldiers injured. U.S.-backed Afghan forces have been combating the Islamic State group in the area in recent weeks.

According to a casualty announcement to members of Congress, Golin died of injuries sustained from small arms fire during a patrol.

“Our armed forces keep us safe from harm, and our country owes Sergeant Golin and his family a debt that can never be repaid," Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., D-Paterson, said in a statement. "My thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”

On New Year's Day in 2005, another North Jersey serviceman, Marine Lance Cpl. Brian P. Parrello of West Milford, was killed in an ambush northwest of Baghdad. The 19-year-old was shot after his Marine Swift-boat patrol on the Euphrates River came ashore.

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