Long Island Marine Killed in Afghanistan Bombing

The Department of Defense announced that one of the Marines killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Monday was Cpl. Robert A. Hendriks, 25, of Locust Valley. Also killed in the blast was Staff Sgt. Christopher K.A. Slutman, 43, a member of the FDNY, and Sgt. Benjamin S. Hines, 31, of York, Pennsylvania.

The three Marines were conducting combat operations in the Parwan province in Afghanistan when they were killed by a roadside bomb. The Taliban has taken credit for the killing.

Hendriks joined the Marine Corps right after he graduated from Locust Valley High School in 2012, according to NBC. His mother, Felicia, told NBC that he was going to be coming home in about a month.

"He loved what he did. And we are so proud of him and his brother," his mother told NBC, referencing her other son, who is also a Marine. "And he was always willing to die for his country."

Newsday reported that Hendriks was a decorated service member. He had received the Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal.

"We feel and mourn the loss of these Americans with their families and loved ones," U.S. Army Gen. Scott Miller said in a statement. "They volunteered to protect their country."

In response to the deaths of Hendriks and Slutman, Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered all flags flown on state buildings to be lowered to half staff.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of two members of the family of New York, Cpl. Hendriks and FDNY member Staff Sgt. Slutman, while they were serving our country in Afghanistan," Cuomo said. "Their deaths are a tragic reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of our service members, who put their lives in harm's way to protect our values and way of life. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend my condolences to their friends and loved ones, and I am directing that flags be lowered in their honor."