It was supposed to be a morning of fun and relaxation at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan. Now, southern Illinois and much of the country are grieving the loss of Private First Class Tyler Iubelt.

Iubelt grew up in Tamaroa, Illinois, a small town near Du Quoin in Perry County.   He loved duck hunting, fishing and grilling.  The 20 year old and his wife Shelby had a beautiful baby 6 months ago named Violet.

Tyler died Saturday morning while getting ready for a fun run with other troops and contractors. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, saying a suicide bomber dressed as a laborer managed to enter the heavily protected base. A Taliban spokesperson says the attack had been planned for four months.

The Du Quoin class of 1994 has created this page to help wrap our arms around Shelby and Violet.  Tyler's parents are part of our class, we want to do anything we can to help and to let them know they are not alone in this.