MEXICO — World War II Navy veteran Norbie Gallant is working with Town Manager John Madigan and state Rep. Sheryl Briggs, D-Mexico, to place a small granite stone at Mexico Greens to honor Pfc. Buddy McLain who was killed in Afghanistan.

“It’s got to be done,” Gallant said.

Gallant previously led the project to have a black granite monument listing veterans from Mexico who were killed in World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam wars.

Madigan said selectmen will act Tuesday night on a request to spend an estimated $475 for the smaller black granite stone and gray granite pedestal. It would be centered under the major memorial at the Mexico Greens, Madigan said. Plans are to dedicate the new monument at the town’s annual Memorial Day ceremony in May.

Army Pfc. McLain, 24, was killed Nov. 29  in Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when an insurgent attacked his unit with small-arms fire. He was assigned to 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), out of Fort Campbell, Ky.

Gallant said about 250 gray granite stones placed at the Mexico Greens honor any veteran.

“When you lose someone from your town, it’s a different category of veteran. He lost his life in action,” Madigan said, referring to McLain.

Gallant said Laperle-Durland Memorials of Mexico will provide the new stone.

eadams@sunjournal.com