2 Marines die in Helmand fighting - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

2 Marines die in Helmand fighting

Two Marines were killed in separate fighting in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Tuesday.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced Wednesday the death of Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, of Kenner, La.

Officials say Bovia died while supporting combat operations. He was assigned to the 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.

Bovia is survived by his parents, Herbert and Teresa Bovia, of Kenner. Herbert Bovia tells WWL-TV in New Orleans that his son was his hero and that he spoke with him just a few days ago.

Bovia did two tours of Iraq before his latest mission in Afghanistan. His body is expected to be flown home next week. Funeral arrangements have been tentatively set for Sept. 8 at First Baptist Church in New Orleans at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories in Metairie.

Meanwhile, the Department of Defense also said Wednesday that 22-year-old Lance Cpl. Cody A. Roberts of Boise, Idaho, died Tuesday while supporting combat operations in Helmand province.

Roberts was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.