A soldier based in North Carolina was killed Sunday while supporting operations in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced today.

Pvt. Matthew W. Brown, 20, of Zelienople, Pa., was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment, 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne) at Fort Bragg.

"The loss of Private Matthew Brown is very tragic," said Maj. James Bailey, rear detachment commander, 3rd Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment.

"Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family and loved ones he has left behind."

Brown joined the army in October 2006. He completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, Okla., and the Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Ga.

He joined his unit in April 2007 as a cannon crew member. Cannon crew members work on howitzers, heavy artillery cannons with a single-barrel firing capability.

His deployment to Afghanistan in December 2007 was his first. A memorial service was held for Brown in Afghanistan.