An Ohio National Guardsman from West Alexandria died March 7 in a non-combat incident that is under investigation, the Department of Defense announced Friday.

Spc. Cody D. Suggs, 22, died at the Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan while on mission with the 1487th Transportation Company, based in Piqua.

He is the 15th Ohio National Guardsman that has died in the fight against terrorism since 2001, according to Ohio National Guard statistics.

Suggs worked as a truck driver with the company, which is part of the 371st Sustainment Brigade, based in Springfield, said James A. Sims, Ohio National Guard spokesman.

Suggs’ company was deployed for one year to Afghanistan in November 2012. It was Suggs’ first deployment after joining the Guard in February 2009, Sims said.

Before being deployed, the soldiers from the 1487th gathered at Piqua High School where friends, family and other members of the community provided an emotional sendoff.

Sims said he did not have any details about the circumstances of Suggs’ death, adding that the DOD will likely release further details in the coming weeks.

“Anytime we have a loss in the Ohio National Guard, it’s tough for all the members. We’re all part of this family. The soldiers. Airmen. Employers. Family. we all feel the loss when something like this occurs,” Sims said.