AUGUSTA (AP) – A soldier from Maine has been killed in Iraq, the second with ties to his small hometown to die in combat in less than six months.

Cpl. Blair William Emery, 24, originally from Lee, died Nov. 30th when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle in Baqubah, according to Gov. John Baldacci’s office.

Emery, whose parents live in Lee, served with the 571st Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade.

Sgt. Joel A. House, whose parents also live in Lee, which is northeast of Bangor, was killed June 23 by an IED in Taji, Iraq.

“The people of Lee have paid a high price,” Baldacci said.

in a statement. “This small Maine community has been hit especially hard. The entire community needs our support.”