Two East Texans Killed in Afghanistan

EAST TEXAS � Two East Texas soliders died this past weekend in Afghanistan. According to KETK, family members have confirmed that U.S. Army Sergeant Joshua David Powell, 28, of Quitman, was killed Saturday. Powell was killed in a Humvee along with three other soldiers, according to a statement released by the family. Powell was the son of Quitman residents Ray and Brenda Powell. He was a 2001 graduate of Quitman High School.

Gladewater High School graduate and U.S. Army Warrant Officer Bradley Justin Gaudet (pictured) was also killed Saturday, during an unrelated helicopter crash. Family members confirmed his death Monday morning. Gaudet is the son of Scott and Rhonda Owens. Scott Owens is a Gladewater city councilman. Gaudet, who has two daughters, was on his third tour of duty and was a member of the the Sixth U.S. Calvary Regiment. He was a helicopter pilot.