SC Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (AP/WLTX) -- Two soldiers assigned to Fort Bragg have been killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. One of these soldiers is from South Carolina.

The military announced Saturday that 25-year-old Staff Sgt. Daniel D. Merriweather, of Collierville Tennessee, and 21-year-old Pfc. Geoffrey A. Whitsitt, of Taylors, South Carolina, died Wednesday.

Whitsitt joined the Army on February 12, 2008 and went to basic and AIT at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. where he graduated as a 31B-Military Policeman. 

Upon graduating from AIT, he attended and completed Basic Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. and was later assigned to the 118th Military Police Company (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, N.C.

Whitsitt deployed to Forward Operating Base Airborne, Afghanistan in May 2009 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom IX.  His awards include the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal- Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Combat Action Badge.

Officials say the men were in a vehicle that was damaged by an explosive device.

The soldiers were assigned to the 118th Military Police Company, 503rd Military Police Battalion, 16th Military Police Brigade at Fort Bragg.

Funeral Arrangements have not been set.