Marine from Wyoming killed in August 26 attack in Afghanistan
Rylee McCollum was a 2019 graduate of Jackson Hole High School
August 27, 2021
On Thursday, August 26th, 2021, 13 American troops and dozens of Afghans were killed in a suicide attack at the Kabul airport. The attack came as evacuation efforts continued at the airport in the wake of the Taliban's swift takeover of the country. One of the marines killed has been identified as Rylee McCollum, a 2019 graduate of Jackson Hole High School in Wyoming. The family reportedly lives in Bondurant, Wyoming.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon extended his condolences to the family with the following statement: "I’m devastated to learn Wyoming lost one of our own in yesterday's terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of U.S. Marine Rylee McCollum of Bondurant. Jennie and I, along with all of Wyoming and the entire nation, thank Rylee for his service."
Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jilian Balow, released the following statement: "Saying that I am grateful for Rylee’s service to our country does not begin to encapsulate the grief and sadness I feel today as a mother and as an American. My heart and prayers are with Rylee’s family, friends, and the entire Jackson community. We will find many ways to honor Rylee for this ultimate and untimely sacrifice in the coming months and years - but for now, my arms are wrapped around Rylee’s loved ones from afar and I pray they find some comfort."
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