Gov. Gordon and Superintendent Balow extend condolences to family of Marine

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has issued the following statement after learning a Marine from Wyoming was one of the 13 U.S. service members killed in the terrorist attack at the airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. 

“I’m devastated to learn Wyoming lost one of our own in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of U.S. Marine Rylee McCollum of Bondurant,” Gordon said in a statement. “Jennie and I, along with all of Wyoming and the entire nation, thank Rylee for his service.”

Upon learning that McCollum, a 2019 graduate of Jackson Hole High School, was one of the U.S. Marines killed in Afghanistan on Aug. 26, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow released the following statement:

“Saying that I am grateful for Rylee’s service to our country does not begin to encapsulate the grief and sadness I feel today as a mother and as an American. My heart and prayers are with Rylee’s family, friends, and the entire Jackson community.

“We will find many ways to honor Rylee for this ultimate and untimely sacrifice in the coming months and years – but for now, my arms are wrapped around Rylee’s loved ones from afar and I pray they find some comfort.”

Gordon has ordered both the U.S. and State of Wyoming flags to remain at half-staff through Monday, August 30 in honor and memory of U.S. Marine Rylee McCollum of Bondurant. Flags are currently at half-staff to honor all U.S. service members and other victims of the attacks, and should remain at half-staff until sunset on Aug. 30.

An additional flag notification will be distributed once funeral arrangements for McCollum have been announced.