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Mass. Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

The Pentagon has announced that a Massachusetts soldier has died in Afghanistan. Military officials say 27-year-old Army Spc. Keith Benson died Wednesday in Paktika province in southeastern Afghanistan close to the Pakistan border.

The Pentagon did not announce a cause, but said the death is under investigation.

Benson's hometown was listed by the military as Brockton, but neighbors and town officials say he grew up in Norwood and graduated Norwood High School in 2002.

Norwood High principal George Usevich says the town will pull together to support the Benson family.

"This town is a very strong, supportive community," he said. "They rallied behind Matt Brown when Matt went down with his accident in the hockey rink, they're gonna rally around the family when this time comes for his wake, for the funeral and for time after when they need support."

Benson was an Army medic assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 172nd Infantry Brigade, based in Grafenwoehr, Germany.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom

This article was originally published on January 20, 2012.

This program aired on January 20, 2012. The audio for this program is not available.

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