Vice President Biden honors fallen Southern Illinois soldier after his return to U.S.

The body of a soldier from Perry County who was killed in Afghanistan arrived Tuesday at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware.

Vice President Joe Biden was among those in attendance for the dignified transfer of 20-year-old Army Pfc. Tyler R. Iubelt, of Tamaroa. Dover is home to the nation’s largest military mortuary.

The Pentagon said Monday that Iubelt and 30-year-old Sgt. John W. Perry, of Stockton, Calif., died of injuries inflicted by an improvised explosive device at Bagram Airfield. Two American contractors also died in the explosion Saturday morning, and 16 U.S. service members and one Polish soldier were wounded.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which it said was carried out by a suicide bomber inside the base. Bagram is widely considered the safest and most secure area in Afghanistan. The attacker was dressed as a laborer when he blew himself up.

Searby Funeral Home is handling Iubelt’s funeral arrangements, which are still pending. According to his obituary, Iubelt was a 2015 graduate of Pinckneyville High School. He attended Tamaroa Grade School and played baseball there. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing and grilling.

He married Shelby A. Crews on Oct. 30, 2015, in Nashville, Ill. She survives along with their 6-month old daughter, Violet, both of DuQuoin. He is also survived by his parents and many other family members.

Memorials can be made to the education fund for Violet Iubelt with donations made to Shelby Iubelt. They will be accepted at the funeral home.

This story was originally published November 15, 2016 at 7:26 AM with the headline "Vice President Biden honors fallen Southern Illinois soldier after his return to U.S.."