Timmy Padgett of Defuniak Springs was killed Tuesday in the line of duty while service with the U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan.

His mother, Glenda Penton, who works with the Supervisor of Elections Office in Walton County, was notified of his death Tuesday night.

Apparently the 28-year-old Padgett, a Green Beret, was on a recon mission when he was hit in the right arm's main artery. Being a medic, he controlled the bleeding, but started bleeding elsewhere.

Padgett's sister, Serena Padgett, says Timmy felt like he was doing the right thing and wanted to be where he was, serving his country.

Padgett was born and raised in Defuniak Springs. He graduated in 1997 from Walton high School, and had been a fireman and paramedic.

He has one daughter, 8-year-old Summer Lynn.