PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier killed by IED

By U.S. Army Special Operations Command Public AffairsOctober 6, 2016

Staff Sgt. Adam Samuel Thomas
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BRAGG, N.C. (USASOC News Service, Oct. 5, 2016)--A U.S. Army Special Forces Soldier was killed October 4th, during dismounted operations in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in Afghanistan.

Staff Sgt. Adam Samuel Thomas, 31, was assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Carson, Colo.

Thomas was killed by an Improvised Explosive Device during dismounted operations while in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel in the Nangahar Province, Afghanistan.

A native of Lyon County, Minn., Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Army in April, 2008 at the age of 22 as an 11B Infantryman. His first duty assignment was with 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C. where he served as a rifleman, sniper, and scout squad leader. Thomas deployed twice as an infantryman, a 12-month deployment in 2008-2009 to Iraq, and a 9-month deployment in 2011-2012 to Afghanistan.

In 2012, Thomas successfully completed the U.S. Army's Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course. He graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course in October, 2015 and was assigned as an 18D Medical Sergeant to 10th SFG (A) in February, 2016.

He deployed to Afghanistan with 2nd Battalion, 10th SFG (A) on June 19, 2016 where he supported Operation Freedom's Sentinel's overall mission to train, advise, and assist, and to support efforts in counterterrorism.

"The 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) wishes to express deepest sympathies and condolences to the Family and friends who have been tragically touched by the loss of Staff Sgt. Adam Thomas," said the commander of 10th SFG (A), Col. Isaac Peltier. "Staff Sgt. Thomas epitomized what it is to be a professional Green Beret and Soldier. His loss from our organization and his memory will not be forgotten."

For further information, media should contact the U.S. Special Forces Command Public Affairs Office during duty hours at 910-689-6187 or after duty hours at 931-220-2229.

Related Links:

USASOC Facebook

USASOC Web Site

USASOC Twitter