The military says a U.S. Army soldier from Iowa died in action while serving in the Kandahar province in Afghanistan.

The Defense Department says 19-year-old Pfc. Brandon Buttry, of Shenandoah, died on Monday but provided no details about his death. Buttry's uncle, Steve Buttry, of Herndon, Va., said he was killed while manning a watch tower.

Brandon Buttry was stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. He was deployed to Afghanistan in August.

Buttry was one of Don and Pam Buttry's 14 children. Funeral services are pending.

A family friend, the Rev. Dave Widger of Nebraska City, Neb., says that Brandon loved his country and loved the fact that he could serve his country.