Marine with Minn. ties killed in Afghanistan

A Marine who formerly lived in Minnesota has been killed in Afghanistan.

The Defense Department said Lance Cpl. Eric L. Ward, 19, of Redmond, Wash., died Sunday while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.

KSTP-TV in St. Paul, Minn., reports Friday that Ward lived in Chanhassen for several years before moving to Seattle.

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has directed that flags at Washington state buildings fly at half staff Monday in memory of Ward.

He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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