Perry Hall Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

A Baltimore soldier was killed in Afghanistan over the weekend, according to the Department of Defense.

Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, died June Saturday, June 10, from gunshot wounds in the Peka Valley of the Nangarhar Province in Afghanistan. Houck was a graduate of Perry Hall High School.

Defense officials said Houck was one of three U.S. soldiers shot and killed Saturday in the attack:

• Sgt. Eric M. Houck, 25, of Baltimore, Maryland
• Sgt. William M. Bays, 29 of Barstow, California
• Corporal Dillon C. Baldridge, 22 of Youngsville, North Carolina

All were serving Operation Freedom's Sentinel.

Houck was supposed to come home next month from his tour, which was his first deployment, according to his father, who told WBAL that his son was "a tremendous human being" whose greatness spanned his roles as a father, son and husband.

Another soldier from Maryland who had been participating in Operation Freedom's Sentinel was killed in Afghanistan this spring. Staff Sgt. Mark De Alencar died April 8; he was also in the Nangarhar Province.
The area is an ISIS stronghold, according to CNN, which reported the U.S. dropped a bomb there in April.

The soldiers killed Saturday were assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Their deaths were allegedly carried out as an "insider" attack when an Afghan soldier — who was killed during the incident — turned on American troops; afterward, the Taliban claimed responsibility for the infiltration.
Before the three American soldiers were gunned down Saturday, Reuters reported three Afghan Border Police were killed in a U.S. airstrike in the Helmand province.

While speaking Saturday at the Faith & Freedom Coalition in Washington, D.C., Vice President Mike Pence addressed the deaths of Houck, Bays and Baldridge and one other soldier who was injured in the attack.

"When heroes fall, Americans grieve," Pence said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these American heroes."

Houck is survived by wife Samantha and children EJ and Violet. His wife was said to be his high school sweetheart, and his children are reportedly 3 and 5 years old.

"It is my understanding that Sergeant Houck was a graduate of Perry Hall High School and his family has deep roots in our community," Baltimore County Councilman Davis Marks said. "Baltimore County recently dedicated a memorial to those who have lost their lives in the Middle East. Sergeant Houck's name will be added with respect, love and appreciation for his service."

Houck joined the Army in May 2013 and arrived at Fort Campbell in March 2016, defense officials say. Posthumously, he earned the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal with a second oak leaf cluster. His previous awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal and Air Assault Badge.

Photo of Sgt. Eric Houck courtesy of the 101st Airborne Division.