Two 10th SF Group Green Berets Killed in Afghanistan

A Special Forces soldier from North Carolina was one of two Americans killed in Afghanistan on Thursday, according to the Pentagon. Capt. Andrew D. Byers, 30, of Rolesville, was killed in Kunduz, Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Friday. Byers and Sgt. 1st Class Ryan A. Gloyer, 34, of Greenville, Pennsylvania, were killed while trying to clear a Taliban fighting position.

According to reports, more than 30 civilians and four Afghan Special Forces soldiers were also killed. Byers and Gloyer were assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group at Fort Carson, Colorado.

In a statement Thursday, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said the news of their deaths and the injuries of fellow American soldiers deeply saddened him. "The two service members killed and the four who suffered injuries were with Afghan forces as part of our train, advise and assist mission," Carter said. "Some of our Afghan partners also died. Our service members were doing their part to help the Afghans secure their own country while protecting our homeland from those who would do us harm.

"On this difficult day, please keep their families, friends and teammates in your thoughts and prayers. We will honor their sacrifice by finishing our important mission in Afghanistan."

Byers had served in the Army for more than eight years, according to officials. He was on his third deployment. He had previously earned the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal, among other awards and recognition.

Gloyer had served in the Army for more than 11 years, including time spent with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, and was on his fourth deployment, officials said. He had previously earned the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device, Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart Medal, among other awards and recognition.

God Speed Brothers. John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

Article from the Fayetteville Observer