NEWYAGO COUNTY, MI (WTVB) - Another solider from Michigan has lost his life in the Afghanistan war. The defense department confirms that Newyago County native, Army Sgt. Robert J. Billings was mortally wounded last weekend when his unit was struck with an IED.

It happened on Friday and the 30-year old graduate of Morley-Stanwood high school died on Saturday. His 8 years in the Army included tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan, where his latest tour was to have ended in less than a month. He is survived by his wife and 4 children, who live in Washington State, where his unit is based. Billings is the 13^th member of the U.S. armed forces with known Michigan ties to die this year supporting military operations in Afghanistan.