Number 90

A 28-year-old National Guard member is Kentucky's 90th death in the Iraq/Afghanistan clusterfuck.


From the Department of Military Affairs press release:

A Kentucky Army National Guard Soldier has died while serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Sgt. Randolph A. Sigley, Jr, 28, of Richmond, was found dead in his quarters Sunday at Bagram Airbase where he was serving with the Kentucky Army National Guard's 2123rd Transportation Company. The cause of death has not been determined and is under investigation.

"The death of Sgt. Sigley is a tremendous loss to us all," said Capt. John Moore, commanding officer of Sigley's unit. "His professionalism, selfless service, and devotion was contagious to all who served with him. Randy was not only a great soldier but a fantastic human being who cared deeply for his fellow brothers and sisters in arms. He was a true patriot who loved his country, state, and unit."

"Sgt. Sigley's family is in our thoughts and prayers as we grieve his loss," said Moore. "He was a fine Soldier and a Kentuckian in the true pioneer spirit."

A member of the Kentucky Army National Guard since 2006, Sigley served from 2000-2004 with the United States Marine Corps. He served a tour of duty in Afghanistan with the Marines.

"The entire Kentucky National Guard is saddened by the news of Sgt. Sigley's death," said Maj. Gen. Edward W. Tonini, adjutant general for Kentucky. "We want recognize in particular Randy's family as they grieve for the loss of this wonderful son and brother. They are part of our Kentucky National Guard family and so we extend to them all of the assistance and support in our power."

Sigley is survived by his mother, Mrs. Rhonda L. Hardin, his stepfather, Alton A. Hardin and his sister, Kristin Mattingly.

More than 12,000 Kentucky Guard Soldiers and Airmen have deployed since September 11, 2001. Sigley is the eighteenth Kentucky National Guard Soldier to die while deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. He is the fourth to die in Afghanistan.