The latest American soldier to be killed in combat in Afghanistan was a recently-married Marine from Minnesota who had just begun his deployment this spring.
Cpl. Taylor Baune was just 21 years old, and he is well-remembered by his high school social studies teacher in Andover, who said he was not at all surprised when Baune enlisted.
"Taylor was a great fit for the military," said Jeff Thompson. "He had a lot of potential and a lot of promise -- and he obviously shined in the military."
His old neighborhood was surprised to learn Baune had died in combat on Wednesday, but the news was even tougher on his new wife who had just taken her vows on March 2 in Las Vegas.
His last message to her on Facebook came on May 25th, saying, "Good morning my love, it's like midnight as we just got back and going out again in a couple of hours, just wanted to say I love you and miss you."
Outside his father's Andover home, stars and stripes say what words can't -- and they mean a lot to those who knew him. Gary Baune told FOX 9 News his son was fearless and was always one to stand up and want to be first.
Gary Baune admitted that he did not want his son to join the military -- even offered his son money not to enlist, but his son wouldn't have any part of it. In fact, Gary Baune said his son desperately wanted to join the Marines because he wanted to become "the best of the best."
Taylor Baune's body will be flown home next week, and he will be buried at Fort Snelling.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:47:40 GMT
The National Weather Service has extended a tornado warning for northwestern Sullivan County in central New York. The warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service has extended a tornado warning for northwestern Sullivan County in central New York. The warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m. Anyone in the path of the tornado, seek shelter in a basement or an interior room away from windows.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:00:29 GMT
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police.
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police. Andrea Rebello's family followed the pastor Wednesday as he led her white cloth-draped coffin to the altar at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:27 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:27:26 GMT
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:10 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:10:42 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:23 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:23:21 GMT
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race.
Ex-congressman Anthony Weiner whose career imploded after raunchy tweets said in a YouTube video announcement that he's in the New York City mayoral race. A poll released Wednesday placed Weiner in second place behind City Council Speaker Christine Quinn in a Democratic primary.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:10 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:10:21 GMT
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Commuter rail service from Connecticut to New York City, along with Amtrak service between Boston and New York, was back on schedule Wednesday morning on one of the nation's oldest and most heavily traveled railways.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:42 AM EDT2013-05-22 11:42:24 GMT
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
The National Weather Service is looking into whether a tornado touched down in a rural eastern New York county during a series of severe thunderstorms that rumbled across the upstate region.
