Indiana Marine killed in Afghanistan

[IndianaGreen]

Afghanistan war has lasted longer than Vietnam, with no end in sight.

Indiana Marine killed in Afghanistan

Indianapolis - A U.S. Marine from Indiana was killed in action in Afghanistan.

Marine Sgt. John Rankel, 23, was killed in a firefight Monday, one of the deadliest days for American servicemen this year in Afghanistan. He was a 2005 graduate of Speedway High School. He also attended middle school and grade school in Center Grove.

Tuesday, the American and Marine Corps flags few at half staff at his home. Other flags and yellow ribbons in his Speedway neighborhood are testaments to the feelings of loyalty and loss.

"It takes the wind right out of your sails. It tears at your gut," said neighbor Dave Crumley.

Friends describe Sgt. Rankel as an all-American kid, playing football baseball and basketball at Speedway High School. His former coach remembers a young man intent on serving others.

"I remember when he made the decision to go into the Marines his senior year. That was a commitment he wanted to make to serve others. There was no other way for him," said Chuck Bennett.

http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=12613786

RIP Marine, and condolences to his family! :-(