Marine from NH Killed in Afghanistan

New Hampshire leaders on Friday paid tribute to Lance Cpl. Brandon Garabrant, a 2013 graduate of ConVal High School, who was killed in Afghanistan.

Gov. Maggie Hassan said the young Marine was tragically taken too soon.

The governor issued a statement:

"The entire State of New Hampshire is devastated by the tragic loss of Lance Corporal Brandon Garabrant, who was bravely serving his nation in Afghanistan. Our service men and women courageously sacrifice every day to protect their fellow citizens and defend the enduring value of freedom that is our very core, and in doing so, Lance Corporal Garabrant made the ultimate sacrifice.

"As a volunteer firefighter and dedicated Marine, Lance Corporal Garabrant was committed to serving his fellow citizens, and he was tragically taken from us far too soon. It is our responsibility as Granite Staters and Americans to come together to support his family and his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lance Corporal Garabrant's family, as well as those of the other American heroes who were lost, and we will be forever grateful for his selfless service."

U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) released the following statement on Garabrant's death:

"Our hearts are broken by the loss of Lance Corporal Brandon Garabrant, a true American hero who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country that he loved. I join citizens across New Hampshire in extending my deepest condolences to his family. We will forever honor the proud legacy that Lance Corporal Garabrant leaves behind."

U.S Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) released the following statement:

 "Lance Corporal Brandon Garabrant was a hero in every sense of the word. He valiantly served our country and epitomized the bravery and sacrifice of every member of our armed forces, for which we will be forever grateful. I join the entire state of New Hampshire in extending my thoughts and prayers to his family and his loved ones."

U.S. Rep. Ann Kuster (D-NH) issued a statement paying tribute to the fallen Marine:

"I was devastated to learn today about the tragic death of Lance Corporal Brandon Garabrant, who served his country so bravely in Afghanistan. Through his dedicated service as a volunteer fire fighter and as a Marine, Lance Corporal Garabrant made his family, his state and his nation proud. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Granite State are with Lance Corporal Garabrant’s family and friends. It is our responsibility as Granite Staters and as Americans to protect and honor all those who serve our great nation and guard our freedom."