Flagstaff, AZ – A Navajo soldier has been killed in action in Afghanistan. 21-year old Army Specialist Troy Orion Tom, of Beclabito, NM, was killed on Tuesday when his squad went to help another squad under heavy attack. Tom was the son of David Tom, a council delegate to the Navajo Nation. He was the ninth Navajo soldier killed in action in Afghanistan.
Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr., said, "It was with great sadness that I heard of the loss of one of our brave Navajo soldiers. Oh behalf of the Navajo Nation, I offer our deepest condolences to the family of the late Army Specialist Troy Tom. We offer our sympathies and prayers to his entire family. We pray they find the strength to carry them through this difficult time, knowing that their son's contribution to his country is deeply appreciated and will be remembered."
The funeral for Specialist Tom is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, at the Farmington (NM) Civic Center.