Marine from Wheaton dies in Afghanistan

A Marine from Wheaton was killed by a roadside bomb Wednesday while in combat in Afghanistan.

Lance Cpl. Kevin E. Oratowski, 23, was assigned to the 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in Camp Pendleton, Calif. He was a light-armored vehicle crewman.

Oratowski enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 23, 2008, according to Camp Pendleton officials. He was in his first combat deployment when he died.

Military officials said Oratowski was conducting what they called mounted combat operations against enemy forces in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when the roadside bomb blast occurred.

Oratowski's personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

In a statement, the Marines and sailors at the 1st Marine Division said they were mourning Oratowski's death and offered heartfelt condolences to his family.