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U.S. Special Forces Soldier Killed in Afghanistan

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Colin Fredericson
8/14/2018
Updated:
8/14/2018

An Army Special Forces soldier died on Aug. 12, five days after he was wounded in an explosion in Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Reymund Rarogal Transfiguracion, 36, of Hawaii, died at a hospital in Germany. The attack with an improvised explosive device occurred in the Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Transfiguracion was deployed to Afghanistan in March, the Army Times reported.

Before that, he was an engineer sergeant at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, in Washington.

“He was a mentor to all of us,” said Transfiguracion’s brother, via Hawaii News Now. “He always had this Special Forces Green Beret poster in his room growing up. That was his dream. He did what he had to do and achieved his dream. I’m beyond words of how proud and how much I appreciate his efforts and success.”
Transfiguracion was in Afghanistan as a part of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. He was born in Sarrat Ilocos Norte, Philippines, on May 20, 1982, The News Tribune reported. He moved to Hawaii and joined the Hawaii National Guard, before becoming a part of the active Army, and then a Green Beret soldier.

Transfiguracion was deployed to Iraq with the National Guard from 2005 to 2006. After he became an active-duty soldier, in 2008, he was deployed to Iraq again. In 2010 and 2011 he was deployed for a period of time in the Philippines, the Army Times reported.

His awards include the Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts, a Meritorious Service Medal, three Army Achievement Medals, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, an Iraq Campaign Medal, a Combat Action Badge, the Special Forces Tab, a Combat Infantryman Badge, a Basic Parachutist Badge, as well as an Air Assault Badge, the Army Times reported.

After his death he was promoted to sergeant first class and given a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Service Medal.

The Situation in Afghanistan

Operation Freedom’s Sentinel is one of two mission’s that began in Afghanistan right at the end of Operation Enduring Freedom. NATO’s Operation Resolute Support is the other, according to DoD Live.

After removing the Taliban from power during the 13-year Operation Enduring Freedom, Resolute Support is meant to support the transition of Afghanistan to its new government and ultimately bring stability to the region. Resolute Support is composed of troops from over 40 countries.

Freedom’s Sentinel aids Resolute Support, while also dealing with the remaining terrorists in Afghanistan. The purpose is to prevent anymore attacks like the Sept. 11 terrorist attack.

On Aug. 14 the Taliban attacked a military base in northern Afghanistan and killed 17 soldiers. The Taliban claims that in addition to the casualties, dozens of Afghan soldiers surrendered and others were captured in battle. The base housed about 140 Afghan troops, AP reported.

Local provincial council chief, Mohammad Tahir Rahmani, of Faryab Province, said the base was besieged for three days before the Taliban terrorists were able to overrun it. The Afghan soldiers didn’t get reinforcements and ran out of ammunition, according to AP.

From NTD.tv
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Colin Fredericson
Colin Fredericson
Author (Reporter)
Colin is a New York-based reporter. He covers Entertainment, U.S., and international news. Besides writing for online news outlets he has worked in online marketing and advertising, done voiceover work, and has a background in sound engineering and filmmaking. His foreign language skills include Spanish and Chinese.