Camp Lejeune Marine killed in Afghanistan

A Camp Lejeune Marine was killed on Tuesday while supporting combat operations in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, military officials said Thursday.

Lance Cpl. Patrick Xavier Jr., 24, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Xavier deployed to Afghanistan in January and was promoted to lance corporal on March 1.

He enlisted in the Corps in January 2009. His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.