Second Washington Soldier Dies In Afghanistan

BRUSH PRAIRIE, WA - A special forces soldier from the Vancouver area died in Afghanistan on Tuesday, the second soldier from Washington killed in that country this week. The Department of Defense confirmed Wednesday that Army Sgt. 1st Class Eric Michael Emond, 39, died Tuesday in an explosion.

Emond, from Brush Prairie, died alongside Capt. Andrew Patrick Ross, 29, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Dylan J. Elchin, 25, in Ghazni Province.An improvised explosive device exploded next to a vehicle they were riding in.

On Saturday, Sgt. A.S. Jasso, 25, of Leavenworth, died fighting in Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Military officials believe Jasso died as a result of friendly fire.

Emond, assigned to Fort Bragg in North Carolina, was on his seventh overseas tour. He was originally from the Boston area and had served in the military for 21 years. He was married with three children.

"Trudi and I join all Washingtonians in mourning the loss of Sgt. 1st Class Eric M. Emond. We send our deep condolences to his family and friends, and thank him for his military service and his ultimate sacrifice for our country," Gov. Jay Inslee wrote in a statement Wednesday.

He was a highly decorated soldier, having earned the Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Purple Heart (2nd award), Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, NATO Achievement Medal (2nd award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (4th award), NATO Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Special Forces Tab, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, and Combat Action Badge. Emond was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart and Meritorious Service Medal.

The soldiers were all in Afghanistan as part of Operation Freedom's Sentinel, a continuation of Operating Enduring Freedom, which began in 2001 after the Sept. 11 attacks.

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