Georgia Guardsman dies as result of injuries received in Afghanistan

News from the Georgia National Guard

General Lucius D. Clay National Guard Center

1000 Halsey Avenue, Building 2

Marietta, Georgia 30060

(678) 569-6064

NEWS RELEASE

GEORGIA GUARDSMAN DIES AS RESULT OF INJURIES

RECEIVED IN AFGHANISTAN

The Department of the Army today released information on the death of Sergeant 1st Class Edgar N. Roberts of Hinesville, a Georgia Army National Guardsman assigned to the 810th Engineer Company (SAPPER) in Swainsboro.

Roberts, 39, died as a result of wounds received during an IED incident that occurred at Sayed Abad, Wardak province, Afghanistan on June 26, 2010. Roberts was transferred to National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, Md. for treatment where he died on August 17.

Upon word of Roberts’ death, Governor Sonny Perdue said, "The news of Sergeant Roberts' passing is heart wrenching. We prayed fervently for his recovery; now our thoughts and prayers turn to his family and friends. We offer what comfort we can give knowing that Sergeant Roberts died a hero, laying down his life so others may know freedom."

“Each notice received about the death of one of our brave Georgia Soldiers brings with it renewed sadness throughout the Georgia National Guard family,” said Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, the Adjutant General of Georgia.

“Despite successes in the region, we are reminded with every loss that significant dangers still exist for our men and women serving around the world. Sergeant 1st Class Roberts was a combat veteran, having faced the enemy before in Iraq. Regardless, he showed no hesitancy when called again to serve his state and nation in Afghanistan. We extend to his family our deepest sympathy on their loss, as well as praise for the patriotism and valor of Sgt. 1st Class Roberts.”

For additional information, link to http://www.defenselink.mil. Funeral arrangements are currently being finalized.

Contact: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ken Baldowski

Media Relations Officer

(678) 569-6064

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