CITRA, Fla. (AP) - The family of a north Florida soldier killed in Afghanistan says he was a responsible young man who had recently gotten married.
Pfc. Markie T. Sims of Citra died Saturday in Panjwal, Afghanistan. Wanda Thompson says her 20-year-old son suffered head trauma when an improvised bomb exploded next to his vehicle.
Sims played football at North Marion High School and graduated from Marion Technical Institute in 2011.
Relatives tell the Ocala Star-Banner that Sims got married in October, and his wife is pregnant.
Sims' brother, Demarrio, was scheduled to begin basic training for the Army on Jan. 6, but his training date has been pushed back because of his brother's death.
Sims was assigned to the Washington-based 38th Engineer Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
