Soldier From Bloomington Killed In Attack In Afghanistan

The military says a 22-year-old soldier from central Illinois has been killed in Afghanistan. The Department of Defense released a statement Friday saying Sgt. Josh Rodgers was among two soldiers killed this week as a result of small arms fire in Nangarhar Province. Rodgers' family pastor, Paul Thomasson, tells the Pantagraph newspaper the family was notified of his death Wednesday.

Rodgers graduated in 2013 from Normal Community High School, where he competed in track and football.
 
Rodgers' track coach, Bryan Thomas, says Rodgers had a work ethic that "was second to none.'' Thomas says Rodgers was a quiet athlete who led by example.
 
His football coach, Wes Temples, says Rodgers was brave for serving in the U.S. Army. 

The military says the fatal incident is under investigation. The Pantagraph reports military officials are investigating whether friendly fire played a role in Rodgers' death. Sgt. Cameron Thomas, 23, of Kettering, Ohio, also died Wednesday.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sergeant Josh Rodgers,” said 13th District Republican Congressman Rodney Davis of Taylorville. “We owe a tremendous debt to Sergeant Rodgers for his service to our nation. His loss is a solemn reminder that the freedom we enjoy each day in this country is not free. Sergeant Rodgers joins a long line of heroes whose service and sacrifice to our nation will never be forgotten.”