Wyoming marine killed in Afghanistan

Rylee McCollum, a 2019 graduate of Summit Innovations High School, was one of the U.S. Marines killed in Afghanistan on August 26, 2021.

Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport Thursday, killing at least 60 Afghans and McCollum an 12 other US troops.
McCollum had been on the Jackson Hole High School wrestling team. Superintendent Gillian Chapman stated, “The entire TCSD family is heartbroken. We send our deepest sympathies to his family, the friends he made in our community, and the staff who had the chance to work with Rylee.  We honor and thank him for his service and are humbled by his ultimate sacrifice in protecting others.”

Mayor Hailey Morton said, “My heart breaks hearing of the loss of one of our community members, and US Marine Rylee McCollum. My love and prayers are with his family and friends during this tragic time and know that no words can be the comfort needed in such times. May his sacrifice to our country always be honored and may his memory live on through those that keep him in their heart. The community of Jackson is here for Rylee’s family and friends and will continue to be however they may need.”

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow responded to the news, stating, “Saying that I am grateful for Rylee’s service to our country does not begin to encapsulate the grief and sadness I feel today as a mother and as an American. My heart and prayers are with Rylee’s family, friends, and the entire Jackson community. We will find many ways to honor Rylee for this ultimate and untimely sacrifice in the coming months and years – but for now, my arms are wrapped around Rylee’s loved ones from afar and I pray they find some comfort.”
Governor Mark Gordon said, “I’m devastated to learn Wyoming lost one of our own in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Kabul. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Rylee McCollum of Bondurant. Jennie and I, along with all of Wyoming and the entire country thank Rylee for his service.”Gordon has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags to remain at half-staff through Monday, August 30

Senator John Barrasso said that McCollum, “made the ultimate sacrifice protecting Americans and civilians in Afghanistan. Bobbi and I join everyone in Wyoming in mourning this devastating loss. Rylee was a true American hero.  Rylee wasted no time answering the call to serve our country, joining the Marines right out of high school. As Rylee’s dad once said, he was full-blooded red, white and blue. Rylee’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. We will always be grateful for his service and send our condolences to the entire McCollum family.”
Representative Liz Cheney said, “I want to offer my deepest condolences to Rylee McCollum’s family and loved ones. His bravery and patriotism will never be forgotten. His willingness to put himself in harm’s way to keep our country safe and defend our freedom represents a level of selflessness and heroism that embodies the best of America. We know that the McCollum family is grieving this tragic loss. I ask that people in Wyoming and across the country please keep those close to Rylee in their prayers and remember that we are only free because of the courage and valor of service members like him.”
 

McCollum is survived by his wife, Jiennah.

 

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