DoD identifies soldiers killed in suicide bombing on Bagram Airfield

Two 1st Cavalry Division soldiers were among those killed in a Saturday suicide bomber attack in Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced Monday.

Sgt. John Perry, 30, and Pfc. Tyler Iubelt, 20, were deployed with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, according to the release.
Since September, the Fort Hood, Texas-based unit has been supporting Operation Freedom's Sentinel, which replaced Operation Enduring Freedom following the end of U.S.-led combat operations in Afghanistan.

Perry enlisted in 2008 as a test, measurement and diagnostic equipment maintenance support specialist. He deployed to Afghanistan from August 2010 to July 2011 before deploying again in September of this year.

His awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, two Good Conduct Medals, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, the Korean Defense Service Medal and the Combat Action Badge.

Iubelt, a motor transport operator, enlisted less than a year ago, on Nov. 23, 2015.

His awards and decorations include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with campaign star, Army Service Ribbon and Combat Action Badge.
Both soldiers received the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for the action that resulted in their deaths Saturday, Fort Hood spokesman Chris Haug confirmed.

The attack on Bagram Airfield also claimed the lives of two American contractors and wounded 16 American troops and one Polish soldier.

The attack was carried out by "an apparent suicide bomber," Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in a Saturday statement. It happened about 5:30 a.m. local time.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack via a spokesman, the Associated Press reported, adding that it had been planned for four months.