The North Country is mourning a man who gave his life serving the country. Here with more on 29-year-old Dain Venne's death overseas is our Matt Hunter.

ESSEX COUNTY, N.Y. -- The North Country is mourning a man who gave his life serving the country.

Dain Venne, 29, of Port Henry, was one of three United States Army Reserve soldiers killed on Friday. Enemy forces attacked their unit with an explosive device in Afghanistan.

Venne was a 2001 Moriah graduate and a volunteer firefighter in his home town. A little more than a decade ago, he made a name for himself as an all state running back.

"He ran hard. Tackled hard. Was a leader on the field. Loved football and he was outstanding at it," said William Larrow, Moriah Central Schools Superintendent.

"One of those very rugged individuals, but had that kindness with him also. That is what made him so popular," said Moriah Town Supervisor Tom Scozzafava.

The Moriah football team will be wearing Venne's number two on their uniforms at their sectional playoff game this weekend.