MARIBOJOC – A Filipino-American army paratrooper whose lineage is from Poblacion, Maribojoc, Bohol has been killed while serving in Afghanistan - the first soldier from Maribojoc killed in the Middle East. Specialist Ian T.D. Gelig, 25, died March 1 in Kandahar , Afghanistan , of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 782nd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army, Fort Bragg , NC . Gelig had been serving in Afghanistan since September. He enlisted in the Army in October 2006. After completing basic training in July 2007, he was sent to Kuwait for a 15-month tour of duty. He is survived by his parents, Tim and Delia Gelig and his sisters, Vanessa and Liana of Poblacion, Maribojoc, Bohol who are currently residing in Santa Clarita Valley, California. Paul Gelig, Ian's uncle, said he is travelling from Maribojoc, Bohol to the USA and will be in Santa Clarita this weekend to be with the family.

Mayor Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr. led the people of Maribojoc in offering its deepest condolences and prayers for the family last Wednesday. “Ian Gelig was a hero. He unselfishly dedicated his life to service, like a true Maribojocanon. Let his death be a reminder for all of us that our life here on earth is fleeting. Let God be our guide in our daily lives.” Paratrooper David Tryon from Alpha Company, who served with Gelig, said in a press release, "Gelig was a good friend and great person. He was always there for you when you needed something. He will be deeply missed by everyone in this unit, for a piece of us went with him." "Gelig will always be with us," said Pvt. Antonio Santos, also a paratrooper from Alpha Company. "From the day you arrived you touched everyone's heart. You made us laugh, you made us smile, and you kept us from falling apart." His unit will hold a memorial service in Afghanistan in his honor. Likewise, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement describing Gelig as "a dedicated soldier who served his country with honor and bravery."

"His great courage and selflessness reminds all Californians of the extraordinary sacrifices our men and women in uniform make to keep us safe," he said. "Maria and I are deeply saddened to learn of his passing and we extend our deepest condolences to Specialist Gelig's family, friends and fellow soldiers during this difficult time." In honor of Spc. Gelig, California Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.  # [ Amjvistal with r eports from The Associated Press, Kevin Modesti of The Signal (Santa Clarita Valley News) and Jeremiah McDaniel of KHTS News (Santa Clarita)]