On Sunday, the Department of Defense identified the soldier that was killed in the Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan from “injuries sustained while engaging enemy forces” the day prior as Sgt. Leandro A.S. Jasso.
Sgt. Jasso, who was on his third deployment, received his injuries while “engaging enemy forces in Khash Rod District, Nimruz Province, Afghanistan,” according to the DOD press release. At the time of his death, he was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
"Sgt. Jasso was a humble professional who placed the mission first, lived the Ranger Creed and will be deeply missed," said Lt. Col. Rob McChrystal, Commander 2d Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment in a statement.
According to his military bio, Jasso had deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Transition I and II Campaign Phases and was serving as a team leader at the time of his death:
A native of Leavenworth, Washington, Sgt. Jasso enlisted in the U.S. Army in August 2012. He completed Basic Combat Training, One Station Unit Training as an infantryman and Basic Airborne Course in Fort Benning, Georgia. Following initial training, he successfully completed Ranger and Assessment and Selection Training Program, Level 1 and was assigned to 2d Ranger Battalion, where he served as an Assistant Machine Gunner, Automatic Rifleman and Grenadier.
Sgt. Jasso's military education includes the Basic Leader Course and U.S. Army Ranger Course. His awards and decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge and Expert Rifle Marksmanship Badge.
Jasso’s death brings the total American casualties in Afghanistan for the year to ten, according to Stars and Stripes. Jasso is the second death for the month of November, with Maj. Brent Taylor of the Utah Army National Guard being killed in an insider attack.