Courtesy Photo Sgt. Charles I. Cartwright, 26, of Union Bridge, Md, died Nov. 7 while conducting combat operations in Farah province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.

Sgt. Charles I. Cartwright, 26, of Union Bridge, died Saturday in Farah province in Afghanistan.

Cartwright was assigned to the 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

He joined the Marine Corps on Sept. 10, 2001, and was trained in reconnaissance. He was promoted to sergeant in 2006.

Cartwright’s decorations include two Purple Hearts and two Combat Action Ribbons.

“He was just friends with everybody,” said Tara Burdette, a friend from high school.

“He could always make us laugh. He was always a good guy.”