Henry County Marine killed in Afghanistan

A 36-year-old Marine from Henry County was killed in combat in Afghanistan over the weekend.

Master Sgt. Jerome D. Hatfield, of Axton, died Saturday while supporting combat operations in Helmand Province.

Hatfield was assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, based in Camp LeJeune, N.C.

Some 4,000 Marines are pushing through Helmand province in the biggest U.S. military operation in Afghanistan since the ouster of the Taliban from power in 2001. The region is the world's largest opium poppy producing area and the Taliban's heartland.

Taliban fighters have planted dozens of roadside bombs in the region, one of the greatest threats to troops operating there. Militants have increased their attacks dramatically in the last three years.