Mass. Man Among 14 Americans Killed In Afghanistan

The Massachusetts family of a Marine helicopter pilot says he was among 14 Americans killed in military crashes in Afghanistan.

His family said Capt. Kyle Van De Giesen, based at Camp Pendleton in California, died on Monday. He was a 1998 graduate of North Attleboro High School, where he was quarterback of the football team, and a 2002 graduate of St. Anselm College.

The 29-year-old is survived by his pregnant wife, Megan; 18-month-old daughter, Avery; parents, two brothers and a sister.

The family statement said he "fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a marine helicopter pilot, protecting his family and serving his country."

Ten Americans were killed when a U.S. helicopter crashed Monday returning from a firefight with suspected Taliban drug traffickers in western Afghanistan. Four were killed when two U.S. helicopters collided over southern Afghanistan.

Remembrance: A Star Quarterback Who Never Demanded The Attention