JBLM Soldier Dies In Afghanistan After IED Explosion

FORT LEWIS, WA - A green beret stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord died on Saturday after he was wounded in an improvised explosive device explosion. Staff Sgt. Reymund Rarogal Transfiguracion, 36, was original from Waikoloa, Hawaii.

Transfiguracion was on a patrol operation in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, on Saturday when the IED detonated. He was part of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group.

"While these military operations may often seem removed from the daily lives of most Americans, the families and members of the 1st Special Forces Group remain closely affected by the ongoing missions of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. We can never thank these families enough for the sacrifice they endure on behalf of our country and we pledge to always remember Sergeant Transfiguracion’s life and service," U.S. Rep. Denny Heck said in a statement after Transfiguracion's death was announced.

The JBLM-based 1st Special Forces Group has been extremely active in global conflicts since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, including in Afghanistan, Philippines, and Iraq. Over 40 members of the 1st Special Forces Group have died since Sept. 11, according to the Department of Defense.

Image courtesy U.S. Department of Defense