FORT BRAGG, N.C. — A Fort Bragg paratrooper was killed Thursday by a suicide car bombing in Afghanistan, officials said.
Sgt. 1st Class Elis Barreto-Ortiz, 34, from Puerto Rico, joined the Army in 2010 and had been deployed in Afghanistan for nine months.
"With honor and courage, Sgt. 1st Class Barreto answered our nation's call to deploy and serve in Afghanistan," said Col. Arthur Sellers, commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team. "In this most difficult time, his loved ones are now surrounded by a community of love and caring by members of our Paratrooper Family Readiness Group."
The car bombing in Kabul killed at least 10 civilians in a busy diplomatic area that includes the American Embassy, authorities said.
His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Combat Action Badge, the Basic Parachutist Badge and the Army Driver and Mechanic Badge.
Barreto is survived by his wife and children, of Cameron, North Carolina.
The incident is still under investigation.
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