Army Sgt. James A. Ayube II

Died December 8, 2010 Serving During Operation Enduring Freedom

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25, of Salem, Mass.; was assigned to 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany; died Dec. 8 in Chehel Gazi, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when an insurgent attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device. Also killed was Army Spc. Kelly J. Mixon.

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Army medic killed by suicide bomber

The Associated Press

SALEM, Mass. — An Army medic and former Boy Scout killed in Afghanistan is being remembered for his friendly demeanor and for being a champion of the underdog.

The city’s veterans agent, Jean-Guy Martineau, confirmed the death of Sgt. James Ayube Jr., 25, of Salem on Dec. 9. The Defense Department confirmed it Dec. 10.

Family members told The Salem News on Dec. 9 that Ayube died at the hands of a suicide bomber Dec. 8 while on a combat mission.

Ayube, a 2003 graduate of Salem High School, was assigned to Company H, 2nd Stryker, Cavalry Regiment, Rose Barracks, in Vilseck, Germany.

He leaves behind his wife, his parents, a brother and a sister.

Martineau says memorial and funeral plans are pending.

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Posthumously awarded Bronze Star, Purple Heart

The Associated Press

SALEM, Mass. — An Army medic killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan was remembered in his hometown.

Mourners filled St. James Church for the Dec. 18 funeral of Sgt. James Ayube, 25, who was killed Dec. 8 while on foot patrol in Kandahar province.

Ayube posthumously received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal and Combat Medical Badge. His burial followed at Harmony Grove Cemetery.

Ayube graduated from Salem High School in 2003. He leaves his parents, James and Christina Ayube; and his wife, Lauren.

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Hometown wants to rename road after Ayube

The Associated Press

SALEM, Mass. — The Salem City Council has unanimously agreed to rename a key road in the city in honor of a local soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Councilors voted Feb. 10 to petition the state Legislature to change the name of the one-mile stretch of road that connects the Beverly-Salem Bridge to downtown from Veterans Riverway to Sgt. James Ayube Memorial Drive.

The city needs approval from state officials because the road commonly known as the bypass is a state road.

Ayube was an Army medic killed by a suicide bomber Dec. 8 while on foot patrol in Kandahar province.

Mayor Kim Driscoll told The Salem News she can't think of a better way to honor Ayube. Ayube's father has also approved of the effort.