Palmateer

LATHAM – A New York Army National Guard soldier from Poughkeepsie was killed Sunday afternoon local time in Afghanistan along with another soldier from Queens, the Department of Defense announced Sunday evening.

Spec. Mark Palmateer, 38, of Poughkeepsie and Sgt. First Class Joseph McKay, 51, of Cambria Heights, Queens, were killed when their humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device, small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades while operating near Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province in eastern Afghanistan.

Both men were members of B Troop 2nd Squadron 101st Calvary, which is based in Jamestown, NY. Their unit was assigned to Afghan Regional Security Integration Command-East, which is responsible for training the Afghan National Army in eastern Afghanistan.

New York Division of Military and Naval Affairs spokesman Eric Durr said Palmateer was highly decorated.

 He earned several medals and awards including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart posthumously and will be promoted posthumously to sergeant.

A third soldier, belonging to the Michigan Army National Guard, Sgt. First Class Matthew Hilton, 37, was also killed in the attack.

Palmateer joined the National Guard in August 2003. He was previously assigned to Company C 1-69th Infantry before joining B Troop 2nd Squadron 101th Calvary.

Palmateer is survived by a daughter in North Creek in Warren County, and his father, who lives in Wappingers Falls.