General Killed in Afghanistan was Falls Church Husband, Father

The two-star general killed in an attack in Afghanistan on Tuesday was a husband and father from Falls Church, according to several news stories.

Maj. Gen. Harold Greene, 55, was deputy commanding general for the Combined Security Transition Command in Afghanistan, which is in charge of the training and development of the Afghan National Security Forces. A gunman wearing an Afghan military uniform opened fire with an automatic weapon where U.S. and Afghan military were gathered at the academy.

“The family wants us to know they believe America has lost a true hero today,” Lt. Col. Juanita Chang said in a statement at the family’s home Tuesday night, NBC-4 reported. Greene’s son Matthew is in the Army; daughter Amelia is a college student.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Maj. Gen. Harold J. Greene’s family, and the families of our soldiers who were injured today in the tragic events that took place in Afghanistan,” said Army Chief of Staff General Ray Odierno, in a statement.

“These soldiers were professionals, committed to the mission. It is their service and sacrifice that define us as an Army,” he said. “Our priority right now is to take care of the families, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time.”

Greene’s awards include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Service Medal, a Meritorious Service Award and an Army Commendation Medal, according to the Associated Press.

PHOTO: U.S. Army photo of Maj. Gen. Harold Greene