Private First Class Andrew N. Meari, 21, died when his unit was attacked with a vehicle-borne explosive device in the Zhari district, Kandahar, Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense.
Meari is from the western suburbs. He joined the Army in October 2008 and was stationed at Fort Campbell in 2009.
He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; and Combat Infantry Badge.
Meari's mother, Denise Meehan, lives in Plainfield, Ill. His father, Mahmoud Meari, lives in Grafton, Wis.
Special Jonathan M. Curtis of Belmont, Mass., 24, was also killed in that November 1 attack. Both men were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.
