Wis. Marine dies in Afghanistan

SPRING VALLEY, Wis. — A Marine from western Wisconsin has been killed in Afghanistan.

The U.S. Department of Defense says 22-year-old Cpl. Michael Nolen of Spring Valley died Monday while conducting combat operations in Helmand Province.

Nolen was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

No other details were immediately released. Nolen's mother, Judith, says his family does not wish to comment.

In a statement, Gov. Scott Walker says Wisconsin is "extraordinarily grateful" for Nolen's "service and sacrifice."

Nolen is the third Wisconsin military member to die in Afghanistan this month. Army Pvt. Ryan Larson of Friendship was killed by a roadside bomb June 15. Army Spc. Tyler Kreinz of Beloit died June 18 after a vehicle rollover that also killed three other soldiers.