NORTH CAROLINA --- A Morehead City man serving in Afghanistan with the North Carolina Army National Guard has died.
- Sgt. James Slape, 23, was killed in Afghanistan.
- He was assigned to the 60th Troop Command in Washington, North Carolina.
- He was promoted to Sergeant posthumously.
Sgt. James Allen Slape, 23, was killed by an improvised explosive device Thursday.
Slape was assigned to the 60th Troop Command in Washington, North Carolina. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant posthumously.
Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement late Friday that he offered the state's "deepest sympathy'' to the loved ones and fellow soldiers of Sgt. James Allen Slape. The 23-year-old from Morehead City died Thursday from wounds caused by an improvised explosive device.
He says National Guard members, "leave their homes, their families and their jobs and put their lives on the line for us.''
Gov. Cooper also ordered all flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk, Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard also released a statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Sgt. James Slape losing his life -- while serving our country, we honor his courage, his selfless service and we extend our deepest sympathy to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers as we hold them firmly in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.”
Sgt. Slape’s unit deployed to Afghanistan in April. He is the 26th North Carolina Army National Guard soldier to be killed in action since 9/11.