Guard Remembers Two Killed in Duty - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

Guard Remembers Two Killed in Duty

The bodies of two North Dakota National Guard soldiers killed this week in Afghanistan are on their way home.

41-year-old Sergeant Darren Linde of Devils Lake, and 20-year-old Specialist Tyler Orgaard of Bismarck

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died when a roadside bomb exploded, hitting their vehicle.

A third guard soldier, Specialist Ian Placek of Bismarck was wounded and is in a hospital in Germany.

The three are part of the 818th Engineering Company - called the Sappers.

The unit has been clearing improvised explosive devices from Afghan roads since its members arrived in the country in June.

Tonight, we spoke with one guard member whose mission it is to offer support to the grieving families.

A "casualty assistance officer" is assigned to each family, and will stay with them through everything.

Families can also request public affairs assistance from the Guard.

This was Jennifer Joyce's first time helping a grieving family.

She was with the Linde family yesterday and says she feels honored to help.

"I've grown, it's a difficult experience it feels good to know that something simple that I'm doing, is helping someone tremendously." says Jennifer Joyce

/Public Affairs Assistance with the 116th

Guard members say they expect the process of transferring the bodies of Orgaard and Linde home to take around three to five days.