Menifee Soldier Dies in Afghanistan

A 26-year-old Menifee soldier has been killed in Afghanistan.

Army Staff Sgt. Nigel D. Kelly died June 25 in Kunar Province from injuries suffered in a small-arms attack, according to the Department of Defense. He was with the 25th Infantry Division's 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team.   

Kelly joined the Army in 2003 as a Combat Engineer. He trained at the Schofield Barracks in Hawaii, the Army said.

Kelly's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (with numeral 4), Combat Action Badge, Air Assault Badge and
the Sapper Badge.

In the same battle, 1st Lt. Dimitri A. Del Castillo, 24, of Tampa, Fla., also died.

Del Castillo's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal,
Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Combat Infantry
Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Parachutist Badge, Afghanistan Campaign Medal,
National Defense Service Medal, Overseas Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal and
the NATO Medal.

Del Castillo joined the Army May 23, 2009.

City News Service contributed to this report.