By RFD Radio/WFMB
TAMAROA – Defense Department officials confirm that one of the four Americans killed by a suicide bomber at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan was a Southern Illinois soldier.
Army Private First Class Tyler Iubelt, 20, of Tamaroa was killed. He was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas.
“He was well liked, quick with a smile and twinkle in his eye all the time,” Pinckneyville High School Superintendent Keith Hagene reflected. “He was well loved by his peers and friends. During his time here, he overcame some challenges to give himself a better future.”
Iubelt leaves behind a wife and an infant daughter.
Another Illinois soldier, Maggie Bilyeu of the Christian County town of Owaneco, was among 16 injured. She suffered a broken leg and shrapnel wounds in the attack.