SFC Jeffrey D. Kettle

[Dan]

RELEASE NUMBER: 070813-10
DATE POSTED: AUGUST 13, 2007

PRESS RELEASE: Special Forces Soldier dies in Afghanistan

U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, August 13, 2007) — An Army Special Forces Soldier died August 12 of wounds sustained when his High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle struck an enemy Improvised Explosive Device northeast of Forward Operating Base Khogyani, Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.

Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey D. Kettle, 31, a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha senior engineer sergeant assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) here was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Kettle was born in Texas City, Tx. He enlisted in the Army in November, 1993.

Kettle completed the Special Forces Qualification Course in 2006 and was assigned to 2nd Bn., 7th SFG(A) in January 2007.

His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Valorous Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger and Special Forces Tabs.

Kettle is survived by his wife, Brandi, and sons Jeffrey and Logan of Raeford, N.C.; and parents Ronald and Cynthia of League City, Tx.

--usasoc--