SFC Reymund Transfiguracion of the 1st Special Forces Group died on Sunday, August 12 of wounds sustained on Tuesday, August 7 when an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near him while he was conducting combat patrol operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He passed away in a hospital in Germany. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
SFC Transfiguracion SF detachment was working with Afghan Commandos in Helmand province when he was injured. The blast also wounded another American and several Afghans.
He was a resident of Waikoloa, Hawaii and 36 years old. He was born in Sarrat Ilocos Norte, Philippines. In July 2001 he enlisted in the Hawaii National Guard. Later he went on active duty in 2008.
He had previous overseas tours including two deployments to Iraq. He deployed to the Philippines for six months in support of Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines in 2010-2011. After completion of of his Special Forces training he was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group. In March 2018 he deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
SFC Reymund Transfiguracion – Schools and Awards
He is a graduate of the Technical Transportation of Hazardous Materials Course, the Indonesian Special Operations Language Course, the Advanced Leaders Course, Survival, Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) School, Special Forces Individual Training Course, U.S. Army Airborne School, Counter Improvised Explosive Device Course, Combat Life Savers Course, U.S. Army Air Assault School, Combatives Level 1, and the Basic Leader Course.
Transfiguracion’s awards and decorations include Meritorious Unit Commendation, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (second award), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Achievement Medal (third award), Army Good Conduct Medal (third award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (second award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (second award), NATO Medal, Combat Action Badge, Army Special Forces Tab, Combat Infantry Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.
SFC Transfiguracion was a husband and father of two. He grew up working on his family farm in the Philippines – which grew coffee beans and macadamia nuts. He obtained his American citizenship before he turned 18.
He was posthumously promoted to Sgt. 1st Class and awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
References:
DoD Identifies Army Casualty, DoD, August 13, 2018.
www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1600817/dod-identifies-army-casualty/
Green Beret Killed in Afghanistan Dreamed of Joining Special Forces, Stars and Stripes, August 15, 2018.
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Photo: DoD
