UPDATED: JBLM Stryker Brigade Soldier Dies in Afghanistan from IED Explosion

(Editor's note: This comes from the Department of Defense and Joint Base Lewis-McChord)

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Second Lt. Travis A. Morgado, 25, of San Jose, CA, died May 23 in Zharay, Afghanistan, of injuries sustained when insurgents attacked his patrol with an improvised explosive device.  He was assigned to the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA.

According to unit records, 2nd Lt. Morgado entered the Army in November 2010, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) in May 2011. Following OCS, 2nd Lt. Morgado went on to attend the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course at Fort Benning, GA, as well as the U.S. Army Airborne School, and the Ranger Course.

He was assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord in March 2012, and upon arrival 2nd Lt. Morgado was assigned to 5-20 Infantry, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. The unit deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in December. This was 2nd Lt. Morgado’s first deployment.

2nd Lt. Morgado’s civilian and military education includes two years of college, and the Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course (2011), U.S. Army Airborne School (2011), and the Ranger Course (2011).

His awards and decorations include National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, NATO Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Ranger Tab.

On behalf of the entire Joint Base Lewis-McChord military and civilian community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of 2nd Lt. Morgado.