SSG Richard L. Vazquez

13 November 2013, Afghanistan

Special Forces

A native of Seguin, Texas, Staff Sergeant Richard L. Vazquez died 13 November 2013, of wounds sustained from the detonation of an improvised explosive device while his unit was conducting combat operations in the Panjwayi District, Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.

Vazquez enlisted in the Army as an Infantryman in August 2004. After completing his Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

SSG Vazquez graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in December 2010 and was assigned as a Special Forces Weapons Sergeant to 3rd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he served until his death.