Getzville man killed in Afghanistan

GETZVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Staff Sergeant William Wilson, III has become western New York's latest casualty of war. His father contacted News 4 Tuesday, after learning his son died in Afghanistan.

Tensions in Afghanistan have been high for weeks since an American soldier opened fire on Afghan civilians. Staff Sergeant Wilson, known to friends and family as Billy, was killed near a checkpoint by Afghan security forces - men trained by our troops, who are supposed to be on our side.

Staff Sergeant Wilson's family was too choked up to share about their son on camera, but they wanted to share with you the face of a loyal soldier lost.

>> You can see photos of Billy amongst his friends and family, and on the front lines, here

Billy joined the Army in 2005 after graduating from Williamsville North High School in 2003, where he was a captain on the lacrosse team. He loved working at the pizza place down the road and spending time with his two brothers. He told them the reason he stayed in the Army is his brothers in arms reminded him of his brothers at home.

It's clear from his Facebook postings Billy loved helping the children in the country he was working to stabilize. And it's clear from the displays outside the Wilson's family home how proud they are of their fallen son.

The family is known for putting out a big patriotic sign welcoming Billy home on leave. They plan on putting it out one last time when they bring Billy home for good.

Billy had just returned to Afghanistan from his last trip home. One of his last posts on Facebook reads:

"Just wanted to thank all the fam and friends back home for a great time on leave. Sorry I wasn't able to see some, but I'll catch you next time. Really had a blast and looking forward to the summer. Thanks! Slowly making my way back to the boys!"

As of March 27, at least 1,788 members of the U.S. military had died in Afghanistan as a result of the U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan in late 2001, according to the Associated Press.