Lt. Col. John Loftis and Maj. Both men were fathers -- the 48-year-old Marchanti had four children and a grandchild , while Loftis had two daughters , the Air Force said . Robert Marchanti II were killed Friday . They were killed in the spasm of violence that has wracked Afghanistan for a week . Marchanti was a `` gentle giant '' who taught in Maryland schools , a colleague said . The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on their website.
Lt. Col. John Loftis and Maj. Robert Marchanti II were killed Friday . They were killed in the spasm of violence that has wracked Afghanistan for a week . Marchanti was a `` gentle giant '' who taught in Maryland schools , a colleague said . The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack on their website.