JBLM Special Forces Soldier Killed In Afghanistan

LAKEWOOD, WA — A Joint Base Lewis-McChord soldier is the latest American casualty in the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeremy W. Griffin, 41, died on Monday in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, in a small-arms firefight, according to the Department of Defense. Griffin was on his fourth combat deployment, having served in Afghanistan in 2006, 2009, and 2016.

Griffin served as a Special Forces communications sergeant to 3rd Battalion, 1st SFG (A) at Joint Base Lewis-McCord. He was born in Panama and enlisted in the Army in 2004. Before JBLM, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division and 7th Special Forces Group. He lived in Greenbrier, Tenn.

Griffin earned many commendations during his career, including the Bronze Star. He was awarded the Purple Heart and another Bronze Star posthumously.

"The loss of Sgt. 1st Class Griffin is felt across the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Family and the entire Special Forces community," Airborne commander Col. Owen G. Ray said in a statement "He was a warrior — an accomplished, respected and loved Special Forces Soldier that will never be forgotten. We ask that you keep his Family and teammates in your thoughts and prayers."