W. Ind. county mourning Marine’s Afghanistan death

COVINGTON, Ind. — Family friends say a 23-year-old Marine from western Indiana has been killed during military action in Afghanistan.

Flags are flying at half-staff outside the Fountain County Courthouse in honor of Lance Cpl. Joshua Witsman in his hometown of Covington.

Fountain County Clerk Patty Gritten tells WLFI-TV that she knew Witsman his entire life and that he had always wanted to serve his country. Gritten says Witsman’s family was told he died Wednesday.

The military hasn’t yet released details about his death.

Gritten says Witsman went to Afghanistan about three months ago on his second deployment. He was married with two stepchildren.