GARY VASQUEZ

September 29, 2008

HOMETOWN: Round Lake, IL.

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ENTERED SERVICE: January 2000

UNITS:  Company Bravo, 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Troop. A, 1st Battalion 17th Cavalry Regiment (Airborne)

MILITARY TRAINING: Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Air Movement Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course, Basic Airborne Course, Warrior Leaders Course, Ranger Course, and Special Forces Qualification Course.

DEPLOYMENTS: Afghanistan (3x)

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS: His awards and decorations include three Bronze Star Medals, Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab and the Special Forces Tab

SURVIVED BY:  Vasquez is survived by his wife Sarah, his mother Margaret DuHasek, his brother Barry DuHasek, and his sister, Keely Vasquez. Vasquez was preceded in death by his father, Frank Vasquez, a lieutenant colonel who served in Vietnam.

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SFC Gary Vasquez died Sept. 29, 2008 in Yakhchal, Afghanistan, from wounds sustained when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device during mounted operations. Also killed were Capt. Richard J. Cliff and Sgt. 1st Class Jamie S. Nicholas.