BOISE -- A Boise Marine has died in combat in Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense.
The Department of Defense says 22-year-old Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts of Boise died Tuesday in Helmand Province, Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
He was supporting combat operations and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Roberts’ family has requested privacy and is not speaking with the media. They released a statement through Company C, 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division (at Gowen Field) and the Idaho National Guard:
“Lance Corporal Cody A. Roberts died in combat August 31st defending the nation that he loved. Cody embodied the true spirit of the Marine Corps, believing entirely in his God, Family, and Country. The three values he lived for, he ultimately died for. As an amazing Marine, Husband, and Father he was a true hero. He made the ultimate sacrifice on the streets of a city in Afghanistan so his son would never have to be afraid for his life or ours. Cody's memory will forever light up our lives as we wait to be united in heaven with him. He will be forever loved. Afghanistan didn't know how lucky it was to have a man like that step foot on their soil.”
Idaho Gov. Butch Otter also released a statement:
“The First Lady and I want to extend our sincere condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones of Lance Corporal Roberts, who gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of the liberties we all enjoy. He was among those heroes who are putting their lives on the line every day to keep the nightmare of terrorism at arm’s length from the rest of us. His sacrifice should be remembered and his loss mourned by every Idahoan.”
